Minister Djellaoui Accelerates Key Phosphate Infrastructure Projects
Algeria's Minister of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure, Abdelkader Djellaoui, is driving forward the acceleration of two critical national infrastructure megaprojects: the Annaba phosphatic port expansion and the Eastern mining railway line. These initiatives are essential logistical pillars for Algeria's Integrated Phosphate Project (PPI), which aims to significantly transform the national economy through increased phosphate exports. The commitment to rapid progress includes the deployment of advanced engineering methods, such as a pioneering soil consolidation technology at the Annaba port.
The Annaba port expansion is in a decisive phase, with substantial progress reported. Out of 1,332 planned piles to support the port structure, 680 have already been installed, while the construction of the rockfill breakwater along the quay wall continues. The project's goal is to establish a deep-water mineral quay capable of accommodating vessels up to 80,000 tons. Since June 15, a specialized dredger vessel has injected approximately 1.2 million cubic meters of sea sand for backfilling, stabilizing the platform and seabed. An innovative land-based rockfill front has also been opened to accelerate the pace of protection dike construction. Notably, the Prefabricated Vertical Drains (PVD) technique, a modern engineering process that accelerates and controls deep soil settlement by expelling trapped water, is being deployed for the very first time on Algerian soil.
Concurrently, significant strides are being made on the Eastern mining railway line, a 422-kilometer network connecting five wilayas: Annaba, El Tarf, Guelma, Souk Ahras, and Tébessa. The crucial 54-kilometer Annaba-Bouchegouf section, serving as the northern entry point for phosphate evacuation to the sea, is slated for completion before the end of September. Minister Djellaoui observed a sustained pace of work, with most track laying and major structures already finalized. He issued firm directives to reinforce human and logistical resources, intensifying work rhythms. Inspections also covered the advanced stages of railway stations in Boudroua and Bouchegouf, alongside tunnel construction in El Tarf.
Both the Annaba port expansion and the Eastern mining railway line are integral to the Integrated Phosphate Project, with industrial commissioning anticipated by early 2027. Minister Djellaoui's approach involves rigorous field monitoring and strong coordination among all involved parties. This direct oversight is designed to proactively address any technical or administrative challenges, ensuring that these strategic national projects adhere to their established timelines and successfully contribute to Algeria's economic development objectives.
