A high-level ministerial delegation conducted a working visit to Tindouf province on Friday to evaluate the operational readiness of the Gara Djebilet-Tindouf-Bechar mining railway line. This project is considered a strategic initiative crucial for bolstering the national economy.
During their visit, the ministers, accompanied by local authorities, inspected the loading site for the initial shipments of iron ore transported by rail. This inspection is part of the preparations for the actual commencement of operations on the mining line.
The delegation’s itinerary began with a visit to the Tindouf train station to assess its technical and logistical preparedness within the Bechar-Tindouf-Gara Djebilet western mining line corridor.
Subsequently, the ministerial delegation, along with local officials, embarked on a trial train journey from Tindouf station towards Gara Djebilet. The purpose of this trip was to evaluate the practical functioning of the line and the prevailing operational conditions on the ground.
The ministerial delegation included Minister of State, Minister of Oil and Mines Mohamed Arkab, Minister of Interior, Local Authorities and Transport Said Sayoud, and Minister of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure Abdelkader Djelloul. Also present were Minister of Tourism Houria Meddahi, and Secretary of State to the Minister of Oil and Mines in charge of Mines, Karima Bakhir Tafer, in addition to the Director General of National Security Ali Badaoui, and the Director General of Civil Protection, Colonel Boualem Boughlaf.
The visit underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the Gara Djebilet mine and its associated infrastructure, which are expected to significantly contribute to Algeria’s economic diversification and growth. The railway line is a critical component of this strategy, facilitating the transportation of iron ore from the mine to processing and export facilities.
