Bled El Hadba mine explained

Bled El Hadba mine
State/Province:	Tébessa Province
Country:	Algeria
Products:	Phosphates

The Bled El Hadba mine is a large mine located in Tébessa Province. Bled El Hadba represents one of the largest phosphates reserve in Algeria having estimated reserves of 800 million tonnes of ore grading 15% P₂O₅.^[1]

History

The 16th November 2024 was inaugurated by the Algerian-Chinese Fertilizers Company(ACFC), the beginning of the project that includes the development of a phosphate ore mine and phosphate production and processing complex in Qued Kebrik (Souk Ahras). Together, these initiatives are part of Algeria's Integrated Phosphate Project. ^[2]

The Algerian-Chinese company, named Algerian Chinese Fertilizers Company (ACFC), was created in March 2022 by the Algerian companies Asmidal and Manal, which owned the 56%, and the Chinese groups Wuhuan and Tian’an, which own the remaining 44% stake, for an investment of 7 billion dollars.^{[3] [4]}

Key highlights include:^{[5] [6]}

• Job Creation; These projects are expected to generate over 12,000 direct jobs for construction and operation and more than 24,000 indirect jobs in logistics and related industries.
• Resource Utilization*: The site at Bled El Hadba will extract raw phosphate, enriched to improve its quality, while Oued Keberit will process it into fertilizers like phosphoric acid and ammonium-based products. This process will also integrate natural gas for producing ammonia and urea.
• Economic Impact*: With estimated reserves of 1.2 billion tons of phosphate at Bled El Hadba, Algeria is positioned among the top 10 countries globally in phosphate resources. The project is seen as a cornerstone for enhancing food security and establishing Algeria as a key player in the global fertilizer market.
• Strategic Development; The project represents a fully Algerian effort, led by national companies Sonatrach and Sonarem, with an estimated investment of $1.5 billion. It also includes plans for export infrastructure to handle finished products.

These initiatives are a pivotal part of Algeria’s strategy to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on imports for agricultural products, while also boosting its export potential.^[7]

Production will begin in early 2027, according to the official agency.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Phosphate mining in Algeria. 2012. europa.eu. 2013-07-15.
2. Web site: 2024-11-20 . Algeria Launches $7B Phosphate Megaproject . 2024-11-20 . energycapitalpower.com . en-US.
3. Web site: Rani . Archana . 2022-03-23 . Algerian and Chinese firms sign $7bn JV deal for phosphate mining . 2024-11-20 . Mining Technology . en-US.
4. Web site: 2024-11-17 . Algérie : les Chinois écartés de l’exploitation d’un gisement géant de phosphate . 2024-11-20 . TSA . fr.
5. Web site: 2024-11-18 . Projets du complexe d’Oued Keberit et de la mine de Bled El Hadba : Pas moins de 12.000 emplois attendus - L'Est Républicain . 2024-11-20 . lestrepublicain.com . fr-FR.
6. Web site: AMROUNI . Mohamed . 2024-11-18 . Trois géants en marche . 2024-11-20 . lexpressiondz.
7. News: 2024-11-16 . Début du chantier de la mine de phosphate de Bled El Hadba . 2024-11-20.