In a global landscape of fierce rivalry over strategic minerals, Algeria is ramping up its mining industry. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s goal-driven strategy emphasizes thorough exploration, extraction, and value addition from national subsurface assets, prioritizing local processing and key alliances to fuel economic diversification, according to expert Ahmed El-Hidouci in an interview with Le Jeune Indépendant.
The economics professor explained that Tebboune has laid the groundwork for an objectives-based model, with clear, timed targets forming the foundation of the mining push for optimal resource use.
El-Hidouci views mining as a cornerstone for Algeria’s economic takeoff, given its vast reserves, with the plan geared toward concrete, quantifiable gains.
He highlighted Tebboune’s call for a national mining exploration blueprint, backed by detailed mapping to assess deposit viability, set extraction timelines, and pinpoint needs for skills and tech. This could involve foreign partners from friendly nations with cutting-edge capabilities.
On human resources, the expert noted that tapping mining potential may require international talent alongside local and diaspora expertise. Funding leans on domestic means, supplemented by strategic pacts for major ventures.
Amid geopolitical strains and a global scramble for energy security and raw materials—like surging demand for rare earths—Algeria must seize the chance to diversify beyond raw exports. El-Hidouci advocated on-site processing to maximize value and jobs.
For context, Sunday’s Council of Ministers readout stressed that mining must match national ambitions for a diversified powerhouse economy, building an emerging state with solid metrics. Tebboune ordered swift submission of the exploration plan, specifying priority streams, timelines, and production ramps.
He demanded faster execution of approved initiatives at a brisk pace for steady growth, plus modern tech in surveys—leveraging local and expatriate Algerians via alliances with allies.