Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024 – Category: Economy
Algiers – On Saturday, Minister of Energy and Mines, Mohamed Arqab, welcomed executives from Australian mining company Terramin and Chinese company Sinosteel, both key partners in developing the zinc and lead mine at Tala Hamza in Oued Amizour, Béjaïa. The minister underscored the economic significance of this project, which aims to stimulate local growth and create jobs, according to a ministry statement.
As part of ongoing efforts to monitor Algeria’s strategic mining projects, Minister Arqab met with Fang Chang, CEO of Terramin, and Hua Guangming, CEO of Sinosteel. The meeting was attended by the CEO of Sonarem, senior officials from the National Office of Geological and Mining Research, and representatives from Algeria’s non-ferrous mineral company, alongside executives from WMZ, a joint Algerian-Australian mining venture, and representatives from the ministry.
The meeting followed the recent signing of a contract to develop the Tala Hamza-Oued Amizour zinc and lead mine and to establish a processing plant. This agreement, signed at Sonarem’s headquarters, brings together the WMZ joint venture—represented by Algeria’s non-ferrous mineral company and the geological research office—and project managers from Terramin. Sinosteel, under the contract, is responsible for constructing the mine, processing plant, and associated facilities.
The project’s progress was also marked by the start of on-site construction activities last Thursday, overseen by WMZ, with participation from the Governor of Béjaïa and local officials. Significant resources and equipment have been deployed to advance the infrastructure and initiate land requisition procedures, which are ongoing to facilitate the project’s implementation.
During the meeting, Minister Arqab congratulated Sonarem, Terramin, and Sinosteel on the agreement, reiterating the project’s economic impact and emphasizing the importance of adhering to the planned construction timeline. He stressed the July 2026 operational deadline as a priority and urged compliance with the feasibility study’s environmental and technical recommendations, particularly concerning safety and security. Minister Arqab also noted the potential for future joint mining ventures with Australian and Chinese partners in other regions across Algeria.
This project is part of Algeria’s strategic plan to expand the mining sector, offering considerable benefits for the national economy and the Béjaïa region. The initiative is expected to stimulate local employment, provide training, enhance the mineral processing industry, and facilitate knowledge and technology transfer, the minister stated.
The project aligns with the government’s mining development goals under directives from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, which aim to boost investment in Algeria’s mining sector and improve the business environment.
Executives from Terramin and Sinosteel expressed their satisfaction with the project’s current progress, crediting continuous support from the ministry and local authorities. They affirmed their commitment to high-quality standards and compliance with international environmental and safety regulations, pledging that the project will serve as a benchmark for responsible mining practices and economic development in the region. Their dedication includes creating local job opportunities through ongoing training and supporting the region’s socioeconomic advancement.
Zinc and lead mine project in Oued Amizour
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Author: nor-eleslam
