With its rich subsoil and ambition to diversify its economy, Algeria is preparing to exploit its lithium, considered one of the main mineral resources included among rare earth elements, within its development plan initiated by Sonarem.
According to Dr. Faouzi Djoudi, an expert engineer specialized in civil engineering and construction techniques, this orientation is part of Algerian efforts to expand the exploitation and development of the mining sector, starting with the development of resources such as iron, phosphate, lead, and
zinc, in addition to rare earth elements, of which Algeria holds significant reserves.
Sonarem, which took over from the Algerian mining company “Manal” in 2023, is responsible for the development of the mining sector, bringing together various institutions and companies such as Somiphos, Somifer, Feraal, Enamarbre, the aggregate company, the National Salt Company (Enasel), the National Gold Company (Enor), as well as the National Agency for the Transformation and Distribution of Gold and other Precious Metals (Agenor). The complex’s development and operation plan also includes lithium exploitation, by 2030.
Algeria has a significant extraction capacity, particularly for lithium, concentrated mainly in regions such as Hoggar, Ouargla, Tamanrasset, and In Guezzam. Preliminary explorations conducted by mining experts from the Chinese group Ganfeng Lithium, in
collaboration with technicians from the energy sector, Sonarem, the National Mining Activities Agency, the National Office for Geological and Mining Research, as well as the Geological Survey Agency, have shown positive results.
The efforts of the Algerian energy and mining sector aim to develop key hubs, such as the Gara Djebilet deposit for iron, the Oued Amizour deposit for zinc and lead, as well as the phosphate deposit in Tébessa.
As engineer Djoudi stated, the Gara Djebilet region, “in addition to its enchanting landscapes, hosts billions of tons of iron on the surface, which can be extracted without the need for deep drilling, and perhaps other mineral resources waiting to be explored.” “These projects will contribute to strengthening the national economy by diversifying income sources, supported by the country’s natural resources and mineral reserves.”
Professor Karim Zaghibdi, an internationally renowned Algerian researcher, expert in the field of batteries, particularly lithium batteries, known for his significant contributions to the research and development of safer, more efficient, and sustainable battery materials, was received on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, by the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune; the Algerian government has launched a large-scale plan to explore and develop the deposits of the Great South, develop a local battery production sector, and support the national energy transition.
The meeting with President Tebboune underscores the importance that Algeria attaches to scientific and technological innovation, particularly in the energy and environmental sectors.
