Algeria approves 140 bidders for mining project

Algeria has prequalified 140 bidders out of received 165 applications from both local and international companies for in response to an international auction for mining sites

The report was issued by National Agency for Mining Activities, which is affiliated with the Energy Ministry in Algeria. The Agency’s Chairman Murad Hanafi, said 31 mining licenses, will be issued and will cover six mining sites located in various provinces of Algeria.

These licenses are specifically for the exploration and production of several minerals, including barite, sand, yellow sand (tuff), and limestone. This development indicates the interest and participation of both local and international companies in the mining sector in Algeria. The approval of these applications suggests that the government is actively promoting and facilitating mining activities to harness the country’s mineral resources. The minerals mentioned, such as barite and limestone, are commonly used in various industries, including construction and manufacturing.

Algeria’s mineral industry

Hydrocarbons are the leading sector in Algeria’s mineral industry, which includes diverse but modest production of metals and industrial minerals. In 2006, helium production in Algeria accounted for about 13% of total world output. Hydrocarbons produced in Algeria accounted for about 2.9% of total world natural gas output and about 2.2% of total world crude oil output in 2006. Algeria held about 21% of total world identified resources of helium, 2.5% of total world natural gas reserves, and about 1% of total world crude oil reserves

Some minerals, such as high-grade iron ore, phosphate, mercury, and zinc, have been exported since the early 1970s. The state mining and prospecting corporation, the National Company for Mineral Research and Exploration (Société Nationale de Recherches et d’Exploitations Minières), was established in 1967. As a result of the government’s decentralization policy, the company was restructured in 1983 into separate production and distribution entities.