Summary:

On 1 October 2025, Sonarem CEO Belkacem Soltani met in Algiers with a delegation from China Petroleum Technology and Development Corporation (CPTDC), a subsidiary of the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), to discuss technical cooperation for developing the Gara Djebilet iron ore deposit in Algeria’s southwest Tindouf region. 

The meeting focused on CPTDC’s potential contribution to reducing the high phosphorus levels in the extracted ore, a key obstacle to the site’s commercial exploitation. The Chinese delegation, led by Danny Kong, presented successful case studies of ore treatment projects carried out in other countries, along with digital mining solutions that could be applied in Algeria.  

Both sides agreed to hold expert-level videoconferences to examine technical processes for phosphorus reduction and to prepare a memorandum of cooperation to be signed in the coming weeks. 

Outlook: 

This prospective partnership could significantly advance Algeria’s mining ambitions by improving the potential viability of the Gara Djebilet site as well as the overall quality and global competitiveness of its iron ore production. 

Leveraging CPTDC’s technical expertise may help overcome key processing challenges at Gara Djebilet, paving the way for large-scale industrial exploitation.  

Beyond its immediate technical benefits, the agreement would also deepen China’s strategic role in Algeria’s resource sector, positioning the country as a key partner in modernizing North Africa’s mining value chains. 

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