The Oued Amizour zinc project officially enters its operational phase in March in the wilaya of Bejaia, marking a major milestone for Algeria’s mining industry. The large-scale project aims to strengthen domestic industrial supply, create jobs, and position Algeria as an important global producer of zinc and lead.
The start of mining operations at the Oued Amizour site represents a strategic development for Algeria’s efforts to diversify its economy beyond hydrocarbons. According to Professor Malek Ould Hamou, director of the mining engineering laboratory and an expert consultant, the exploitation phase of the deposit is scheduled to begin this month.
Located in the wilaya of Bejaia, the site contains estimated reserves of around 34 million tons of ore. Globally, the deposit ranks 12th among known zinc and lead deposits of its type, making it one of the most significant mining projects currently under development in North Africa.
Speaking on Algerian Radio’s Channel 3, Professor Ould Hamou explained that the mining process will be conducted underground. This method is considered both technically complex and environmentally sensitive, requiring advanced engineering solutions to ensure efficient extraction.
The raw ore extracted from the site contains relatively modest concentrations of metals, with approximately 4% zinc and 1.5% lead. However, through industrial processing at the dedicated plant, this material will be transformed into a high-value concentrate reaching around 60% purity.
Once the processing chain reaches full capacity, the Oued Amizour zinc project is expected to produce about 170,000 tons of zinc annually, alongside roughly 30,000 tons of lead. These volumes are expected to significantly strengthen Algeria’s position in the global non-ferrous metals market.
The project is designed with a long operational horizon. Current estimates suggest that the mine will operate for between 19 and 20 years, ensuring long-term economic activity in the region.
Beyond production figures, the development is expected to bring substantial social and economic benefits to the Bejaia area. Thousands of direct and indirect jobs are anticipated during the life of the mine, supporting local employment and stimulating related industries such as transport, services, and engineering.
Structurally, the project is based on an international partnership combining national control with foreign technical expertise. Under the agreement, the Algerian public sector holds a 51% majority stake, while the Australian mining company Terramin owns the remaining 49%.
Terramin’s role focuses on providing advanced mining technology and operational expertise, particularly in underground extraction and mineral processing.
Environmental protection has also been integrated into the project’s design. One of the key innovations involves backfilling the underground tunnels using mining residues mixed with cement. This method helps stabilize the mine structure, prevents land subsidence, and limits the need for surface waste storage.
In addition, strict water management measures will be implemented to prevent acid drainage, one of the main environmental risks associated with mining operations.
From an economic perspective, the primary objective of the Oued Amizour zinc project is to supply Algeria’s domestic industrial sector with essential raw materials. By producing zinc and lead locally, authorities hope to reduce the country’s import bill and strengthen national industrial autonomy.
Any surplus production will be exported to international markets, where demand for zinc and lead remains strong, particularly in sectors such as construction, renewable energy infrastructure, and battery manufacturing.
As Algeria continues to develop its mineral resources, projects like Oued Amizour are expected to play a growing role in the country’s broader strategy of economic diversification and regional development.
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.