Algeria Gate: State Minister, Minister of Hydrocarbons Mohamed Arkab, accompanied by Public Works and Basic Infrastructure Minister Abdelkader Djellaoui and Mines and Mining Industry Minister Mourad Hanifi, on Thursday launched two major components of Algeria’s integrated phosphate project.
The ministers first laid the foundation stone for a chemical transformation and fertilizer production complex at Oued Kebrit in Souk Ahras, before travelling to the Bled El Hadba mine in Bir El Ater to inaugurate an extraction and enrichment facility. The project spans the wilayas of Annaba, Souk Ahras, Tébessa and Bir El Ater.
Foundation Stone Laid for Chemical Transformation and Fertilizer Complex at Oued Kebrit
In Oued Kebrit, Souk Ahras, the ministerial delegation, joined by the walis of Souk Ahras and Tebessa, launched construction of a complex that will convert enriched phosphate into fertilizers and intermediate chemical products.
The facility is being built by the Italian company SAIPEM under an accelerated EPC Fast Track model (engineering, procurement and construction), with the participation of Sonatrach Group subsidiaries including SARPI, GCB and GTP. This approach is designed to reduce timelines and keep the project on schedule.
In its first phase, the complex will produce approximately 2.4 million tonnes of phosphate fertilizers per year and 570,000 tonnes of nitrogen fertilizers (including urea), along with intermediate chemicals such as sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid and ammonia. It forms the critical industrial link that transforms phosphate from the Bled El Hadba mining pole into higher-value products for domestic agriculture and potential export.
Launch of Phosphate Extraction and Enrichment Complex at Bled El Hadba
Later the same day, the ministers proceeded to the Bled El Hadba phosphate mine near Bir El Ater, where they laid the foundation stone for an extraction and enrichment complex. The site holds estimated geological resources of about 1.2 billion tonnes of raw phosphate and constitutes the primary upstream link in the integrated project chain.
The complex is designed to extract 5.5 million tonnes of raw phosphate annually. After processing and enrichment, this is expected to yield around 3.2 million tonnes of enriched phosphate each year. Project plans also reference expanded capacities that could reach 10.5 million tonnes of raw phosphate extraction to supply 5.5 million tonnes of marketable enriched phosphate, with concentrated phosphate production targeted at 3.2 million tonnes annually. The enriched material will be transported to the chemical units at Oued Kebrit.
Officials stressed the need to accelerate construction so that enriched phosphate production can begin within the established deadlines. The ministerial delegation was also scheduled to inspect related infrastructure progress in Tébessa.
Strategic Importance of the Integrated Phosphate Project
The overall initiative follows a fully integrated industrial vision that moves beyond simple extraction. Raw phosphate will be enriched, chemically transformed and converted into fertilizers and other products, creating a complete value chain connected to transport networks and port facilities.
Key expected benefits include:
- Strengthening national food security by supplying fertilizers to the agricultural sector
- Increasing the added value of Algeria’s mineral resources
- Expanding non-hydrocarbon exports
- Generating direct and indirect employment
- Enabling technology transfer and skills development among Algerian personnel
- Stimulating local economic development and reinforcing the national industrial base
Minister Arkab emphasized the importance of close coordination among all involved sectors and companies, continuous on-site monitoring, and faster execution to meet the project’s deadlines. Together, the Oued Kebrit chemical complex and the Bled El Hadba extraction and enrichment plant form the core of Algeria’s strategy to valorize its phosphate reserves, reduce external dependence for fertilizers, and build a competitive downstream industry.
