The Algerian government has initiated a major phosphate project with the laying of the first stone for an extraction and enrichment complex in Bled El Hadba, Bir El Ater, Tébessa province. The ceremony was attended by Minister of State and Minister of Hydrocarbons, Mohamed Arkab, along with other high-ranking officials. This project is part of the Integrated Phosphate Project (PPI), which spans across several provinces, including Annaba, Souk Ahras, Tébessa, and Bir El Ater.
The complex in Bled El Hadba is built on a site with estimated phosphate reserves of approximately 1.2 billion tons. The project aims to extract 5.5 million tons of phosphate ore annually, which will be processed to produce around 3.2 million tons of enriched phosphate per year. This facility is the first link in the production chain, with the extracted phosphate to be transported to the chemical transformation plants in Oued Kebrit, Souk Ahras.
The Integrated Phosphate Project envisions an annual production capacity of 10.5 million tons of phosphate ore, which will yield 5.5 million tons of enriched phosphate and 3.2 million tons of concentrated phosphate for the chemical transformation units in Oued Kebrit. During his visit, Minister Arkab emphasized the need to accelerate the project's progress to meet the scheduled production deadlines.
The development of the Bled El Hadba pole is part of a larger industrial project that encompasses several stages, from phosphate extraction to its enrichment and transformation into fertilizers and chemical products. The project also involves connecting the production chain to transportation infrastructure and port facilities to facilitate the transportation of products.
The project aims to enhance local transformation of mineral resources, increase the value added from national mineral resources, boost non-hydrocarbon exports, and create direct and indirect jobs. It also focuses on developing skills and using adapted technologies throughout the production process.
Earlier in the day, the ministerial delegation laid the foundation stone for a chemical transformation complex and fertilizer production plant in Oued Kebrit, Souk Ahras. This complex will transform enriched phosphate from the Bled El Hadba mining hub into industrial products with added value.
The Oued Kebrit complex will have an initial production capacity of 2.4 million tons per year of phosphatic fertilizers and 570,000 tons per year of nitrogenous fertilizers, along with intermediate chemicals. The project is being carried out by Italian company SAIPEM in collaboration with Algerian companies.
Key points
- The Algerian government has initiated a major phosphate project with an extraction and enrichment complex in Bled El Hadba, Tébessa province.
- The project aims to produce 3.2 million tons of enriched phosphate per year.
- The Integrated Phosphate Project will boost non-hydrocarbon exports and create jobs.
