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




