The exploitation of the Gara Djebilet iron ore mine will profoundly transform the economic landscape of southwestern Algeria and the country as a whole. This statement was made by the Minister of Interior, Local Authorities, and Transport, Said Sayoud, during a visit to the Gara Djebilet region in Tindouf province on Friday.
Minister Sayoud emphasized that, under the directives of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Algeria has actively begun exploiting its mineral wealth and putting it into service. He told reporters that the Gara Djebilet mine exploitation project has entered its operational phase in record time, reflecting the state’s vision of valuing natural resources and boosting national development.
The Minister’s comments came during a field visit accompanied by a ministerial delegation including the Minister of State, Minister of Energy and Mines Mohamed Arkab, the Minister of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure Abdelkader Djelouai, the Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts Houria Meddahi, and the Secretary of State to the Minister of Energy and Mines in charge of Mines, Karima Bakir Tafer.
Sayoud indicated that future efforts will focus on exploiting the phosphate mine in Bled El Hadba, eastern Algeria, as part of a comprehensive national vision to diversify the national economy and reduce dependence on hydrocarbons. He also highlighted the rapid progress made, anticipating the imminent commissioning of the mining railway line. Connecting Gara Djebilet to the national railway network will enable the transport of iron ore from the far southwest to Oran and then to the rest of the country.
The Minister expressed pride in the historic achievement of constructing a railway line nearly 940 kilometers long in less than two years. He considered the exploitation of the Gara Djebilet mine a long-awaited dream for Algerians, now a tangible reality thanks to the strong presence of the state and its reliance on Algerian expertise and companies in terms of human resources and material capabilities.
He also praised the pivotal role played by national executives and Algerian youth in realizing these strategic projects, affirming that the achievements will open promising prospects for a diversified and sustainable national economy. The ministerial delegation began its field visit by inspecting the train station in the capital of Tindouf province, where they received explanations about the facilities dedicated to serving passengers, before taking a test train ride from Tindouf to Gara Djebilet. The visit also included an inspection of the project.
