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According to a strategic analysis published by El Moudjahid, Algeria is positioning itself as a future global powerhouse in the Lithium–ion industry. Moving beyond its traditional role as a hydrocarbon exporter, Algeria is executing an ambitious strategy to become a major international hub for the manufactureand export of lithium batteries.

A Strategic Partnership with Global Expertise

This vision is being spearheaded by the Mining Research and Exploitation Company SONAREM under the leadership of CEO Belkacem Soltani. A pivotal element of this strategy is the partnership with world-renewed battery researcher Karim Zaghib.

• A formal Memorandum of Understanding MoU has been signed with Zaghib to oversee the creation of specialized transformation units.
• The collaboration focuses on producing critical battery components, specifically focusing on mastering the high-tech value chain.

The Two-Phase Road to White Gold

Algeria’s approche is characterized by its pragmatic and methodical execution, divided into two primary industrial phases:

1. Immediate Transformation of Iron and Phosphate
2. Rather than waiting for full lithium extraction, Algeria is leveraging its existing mineral wealth.
3. The country is transforming iron and phosphate derivatives into precursors for anodes and cathodes, which are critical components for all batteries.
4. This phase includes the production of phosphoric and sulfuric acids, described by Soltani as indispensable elements for the battery industry.
5. 2. Exploration of the New White Gold
6. Simultaneously, SONAREM is conducting intensive geological studies to quantify th nation’s lithium reserves.
7. Key Locations: High-potential lithium deposits have been identified within the Chotts –salt lakes- and the Hoggar rock formation.
8. Objective: Once confirmed and quantified, these reserves will solidify Algeria’s position as dominant player in the global electrical battery market.

Economic Diversification and High-Tech Integration

The development of the lithium-ion sector represents a transformative shift for the Algerian economy:

• Industrial Integration: Algeria aims to master the entire chain, from raw material to finished high-tech components.
• Global Competition: By aligning with international figures like Zaghib and participating in major mining summits such as in Montereal, Algeria is signaling its readiness to compete on the worls stage.
• Value Addition: This strategy serves as a powerful lever for economic diversification, creating high-value-added industries and specialized employment.

Algeria is no longer just a mining prospect, it is evolving into a strategic industrial architect for the global energy

L'ALGĖRIE 🇩🇿, FUTUR GĖANT MONDIAL DU LITHUM#Algérie pic.twitter.com/Iq6KeNnghA

— بوابة الجزائر – Algeria Gate (@algatedz) April 22, 2026

ALGIERS – The Algerian Water Desalination Company, a strategic subsidiary of the Sonatrach Group, announced this Tuesday the successful reactivation of the Fouka 1 Desalination Plant located in the Tipaza Province. The resumption of operations follows the conclusion of intensive periodic maintenance works.

The statement further clarified that the scheduled periodic maintenance at the Fouka 1 Desalination Plant (Tipaza), which commenced on April 19, has been successfully concluded ahead of schedule. While initially slated for completion on April 22, the technical teams finalized all operations prematurely.

Operational Status Update:

Consequently, the plant has officially re-entered service and is currently operating under normal parameters. This ensures the immediate restoration and continuity of the water supply to the targeted regions.

Strategic Governance & Preventive Framework:
The company emphasized that this intervention is a core component of a Proactive Maintenance Program. This strategy is designed to:

Ensure Infrastructure Readiness: Guaranteeing that vital installations are primed for peak demand.

Enhance Service Continuity: Minimizing disruptions in public utility delivery.

Adherence to Standards: Operating in strict accordance with certified international and national technical benchmarks.

Algiers – Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons, Mohamed Arkab, and Minister of mines and Mining Industries, Mourad Hanifi, received on Tuesday the Chadian Minister of Mines, Petroleum, and Geology, Fatime Haram Acyl, to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Hydrocarbons, the meeting is part of an ongoing dynamic to bolster relations between Algeria and Chad, coinciding with the 4^th session of the Algerian-Chadian Joint Intergovernmental Commission held in Algiers.

Strategic Integration in Hydrocarbons

During the talks, which including the Secretary of State for Mines, Karima Bakir Tafer, both sides explored expanding their partnership within a sustainable strategic vision. Key areas of focus across the hydrocarbons value chain included:

• Upstream and Downstream Operations: Collaboration in exploration, production, transport, refining, and petrochemicals.
• Market Distribution: Cooperation in marketing petroleum and Liquefied Petroleum Gas LPG.
• Infrastructure and Investment: Potential partnerships between the Sonatrach Group and Chadian entities to support energy infrastructure project in Chad.
• Capacity Petroleum Institute IAP to support Chadian professionals in sector management.

Mining and Geological Research

The two parties also addressed cooperation in the mining sector, specifically focusing on:

• Resource Exploitation: Enhancing the extraction and processing of mineral resources.
• Geological Studies: Collaborating on research and the preparation of geological and mining maps.
• Regulatory Exchange: Sharing expertise regarding administrative organization and the legal frameworks governing mining activities.

A Commitment to South-South Cooperation

This meeting serves as a continuation of the coordination established during Algeria’s participation in the “SEMICA Chad 2026” exhibition. The Ministry emphasized that these ongoing discussions reflect the deep historical ties between the two nations, rooted in trust and mutual interests. The partnership aims to elevate bilateral cooperation to new heights, serving the development goals of both countries and reinforcing South-South cooperation.

Source: Algeria Press Service (APS)