The CEO of the National Mining Research and Exploitation Company (SONAREM), Reda Belhadj, received on Tuesday N’Guessan Philibert, the Ivorian Director of Research and Industrial Mining Exploitation, along with a delegation from the Ivorian mining sector. The meeting was held within the framework of strengthening African cooperation and implementing a bilateral agreement in the fields of hydrocarbons and mining signed on March 28, 2026, according to a statement from the group.
During the meeting, held at the group’s headquarters, Belhadj provided a detailed presentation on the SONAREM industrial group, reviewing its organizational structure and areas of activity. He emphasized its role in covering the entire mining value chain, from research and exploration to exploitation, processing, and marketing, as well as its expertise in developing major projects and valuing natural resources to support the diversification of the national economy.
The discussions also emphasized the cooperation axes stipulated in the bilateral agreement, particularly the development of mining projects, the exchange of expertise, capacity building, and the transfer of knowledge through joint training programs. These efforts aim to enhance African partnerships and enable the implementation of joint projects with added value.
For its part, the Ivorian delegation reviewed the current state and prospects of the mining sector in Cote d’Ivoire, providing a comprehensive map of mineral resources, especially iron and manganese. They highlighted investment opportunities that require technical expertise and strategic partnerships. The institutional role of the Ivorian body in charge of developing the mining sector (SODEMI) was also emphasized as a natural partner for the SONAREM group in future cooperation.
The talks resulted in several practical decisions, including the appointment of technical contact points from both sides to follow up on cooperation files, the preparation of a legal and technical framework for the implementation of the first projects, and a commitment to launching joint work as soon as possible.
This meeting reflects a shared desire to elevate Algerian-Ivorian relations to the level of an effective strategic partnership based on resource valuation and the exchange of expertise, supporting sustainable economic development in both countries.
