Algeria’s Bled El Hadba phosphate project is set to begin operations by the end of April in Tébessa, marking a major step in the country’s push to diversify its economy beyond hydrocarbons. Announced by the Ministry of Energy and Mines, the project is being accelerated under direct presidential supervision as part of a broader national strategy.
The countdown has officially begun for one of Algeria’s most strategic mining developments. Djamel Eddine Choutri, chief of staff to the Secretary of State for Mines, confirmed during an appearance on National Radio that operations at the Bled El Hadba site will start before the end of April.
Authorities view the initiative as far more than a simple extraction project. It is designed to serve as a cornerstone of economic transformation, reducing reliance on oil and gas revenues while strengthening industrial output.
Choutri emphasized that the mining sector represents a key pillar in Algeria’s diversification strategy. By developing downstream processing industries, the country aims to generate higher added value and strengthen its position in global markets.
The Bled El Hadba phosphate project is structured as an integrated operation, combining extraction with industrial processing. This approach is expected to position Algeria as a competitive player in the international fertilizer and chemical products market.
Another defining feature of the project is its fully national execution. Developed through a partnership between state-owned energy giant Sonatrach and mining group Sonarem, the initiative relies entirely on Algerian expertise.
This emphasis on local capabilities highlights the growing strength of national engineering and technical skills. It also reflects a broader policy direction aimed at empowering domestic companies to lead large-scale industrial projects.
The economic impact is expected to be significant, particularly for eastern Algeria. The project is set to create approximately 12,000 direct jobs, offering a substantial boost to employment in the Tébessa region and surrounding areas.
In addition to job creation, the project leverages Algeria’s vast natural resources. Eastern Algeria holds an estimated 3 billion tons of phosphate reserves, placing the country among the top ten globally. The Bled El Hadba deposit alone contains around 1.2 billion tons of exploitable reserves.
Industry experts estimate that these reserves could sustain mining operations for more than 80 years, ensuring long-term production capacity and economic stability.
Significant progress has already been made on infrastructure, with most facilities now ready to support initial operations. The accelerated pace of development in recent months has enabled authorities to meet the planned launch timeline.
With production set to begin in April, Tébessa is poised to become a central hub in Algeria’s emerging mining industry. The Bled El Hadba phosphate project is expected to play a crucial role in reshaping the country’s economic landscape and reinforcing its ambitions on the global stage.
Sami B. is the founder and editor of Algeria News Gate, an independent English-language platform covering Algeria’s political, economic, and business developments. Based in Europe, he reports on official announcements, economic trends, and international relations involving Algeria.