Algeria is seeking to develop its mining sector, with a focus on reducing its dependence on hydrocarbons and diversifying its economy. The country's Minister of Mines and Mining Industry, Mourad Hanifi, recently visited Uzbekistan, a country where mining plays a significant role in the economy. The visit aimed to explore opportunities for cooperation and knowledge sharing in the mining sector. Algeria has already taken steps to develop its mining sector, including the launch of several large-scale projects, such as the exploitation of iron ore deposits in Gara Djebilet.
The visit to Uzbekistan was part of Algeria's strategy to acquire the necessary technologies and expertise to transform its mineral resources into value-added products. Hanifi met with Uzbek officials, including the Minister of Industry, Mining and Geology, Islamov Bobir Farkhadovich, to discuss areas of cooperation, including technology transfer, digital mapping, and local value-added production. The two countries also discussed investment opportunities and the development of joint projects in the mining sector. Algeria aims to improve its geological knowledge, exploration, and extraction techniques to increase the value of its mineral resources.
Uzbekistan is a significant player in the global mining industry, with substantial reserves of gold, copper, uranium, and other minerals. In 2025, the country's mining production reached approximately $17.6 billion, while its metallurgical industry produced over $14.7 billion in the first ten months of the year. The country's gold production was around 130 tonnes. The mining sector is a significant contributor to Uzbekistan's economy, with natural resources generating $33.8 billion in exports in 2025, a 24% increase from the previous year.
Algeria's efforts to develop its mining sector are part of a broader strategy to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on hydrocarbons. The country has launched several large-scale projects, including the exploitation of zinc deposits in Amizour, Bejaia, and phosphate deposits in Bled El Hadba, Tébessa. The government aims to create a competitive mining industry that can attract foreign investment and contribute to the country's economic growth. Hanifi stated that Algeria's mining sector is undergoing a "major structural transformation" with the implementation of large-scale projects.
The Algerian delegation also visited several metallurgical complexes and mining infrastructure in Tashkent and its surroundings. These visits aimed to familiarize Algerian officials with the technologies used in mineral extraction and processing. The delegation also explored opportunities for cooperation in scientific research, geology, and training. This aspect is crucial for Algeria, which seeks to build a comprehensive mining industry that can compete globally.
The cooperation between Algeria and Uzbekistan is expected to focus on the entire value chain, from exploration to industrial transformation. The two countries aim to encourage joint projects, particularly in the processing and transformation of raw minerals. Algerian and Uzbek enterprises are expected to work together to develop new projects and share expertise. The visit by Hanifi and his delegation marked a significant step in strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
At the end of his visit, Hanifi praised the potential for cooperation between Algeria and Uzbekistan, stating that the mining sector is poised to become a significant contributor to Algeria's economy. The country's new mining policy aims to create a competitive industry that can attract foreign investment and drive economic growth. With the support of international partners like Uzbekistan, Algeria is confident that it can achieve its goals and reduce its dependence on hydrocarbons.
Key points
- Algeria seeks to develop its mining sector, inspired by Uzbekistan's experience, to reduce dependence on hydrocarbons and diversify its economy.
- Uzbekistan is a significant player in the global mining industry, with substantial reserves of gold, copper, uranium, and other minerals.
- Algeria and Uzbekistan aim to cooperate on the entire value chain, from exploration to industrial transformation, to develop a competitive mining industry.
