Algeria and China hold talks to reduce phosphorus in Ghar Jbeilat iron ore project

Belkacem Soltani, President and General Manager of Algeria’s state mining company Sonaram, met with a delegation from the Chinese engineering and construction company Metallurgical Corporation of China (MCC) to discuss cooperation opportunities in the Ghar Jbeilat iron ore project in Tindouf. The meeting included Jia Nyun Xuan, General Manager of MCC International, Reda Belhaj, General Manager of Algeria’s National Iron and Steel Company (FERAAL Spa), and other Sonaram executives.

The Chinese delegation shared their experience in R&D, design, mining construction and operations, as well as in the iron and steel sector, expressing their interest in the project. Soltani emphasized the project’s importance in meeting the raw material needs of national steel factories and highlighted the need to apply CISP and HIMLT methods to reduce phosphorus content and accelerate local technical trials. He also noted the importance of establishing Algeria–China joint working groups to reduce high transportation costs along the Tindouf–Oran–China route. These efforts are considered critical to streamline logistics and reduce costs.

With a reserve of 3.5 billion tons, the Ghar Jbeilat project not only contributes to Algeria’s steel production but also aims to expand into the African market. Given rising steel demand and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Algeria is expected to strengthen its position as a regional supplier and generate new export revenues. The project also includes plans for processing facilities and a new railway line to facilitate ore logistics and regional transportation.

According to industry experts, the phosphorus reduction efforts at Ghar Jbeilat directly impact the marketability of the ore, especially in international markets where quality standards are strict. While demand for iron ore remains generally stable, pricing is under pressure due to global economic uncertainties and fluctuations in steel production, particularly in China. Therefore, projects like Ghar Jbeilat could position Algeria as a more strategic supplier in the long term, provided that infrastructure and quality improvements proceed as planned.