Summary:

On 4 March 2026, Algerian authorities announced that operations at the Tala Hamza–Amizour zinc and lead mine in Bejaia in north-central Algeria will begin in the coming days, marking a major step in the country’s mining development strategy.  

The project, valued at approximately $471 million, will be operated by the Algerian-Australian joint venture Western Mediterranean Zinc under a mining permit granted by the Algerian government. 

The mine, located in the communes of Tala Hamza and Oued Amizour is ranked 12th globally in estimated size of the deposit. The project is expected to produce around 170,000 tons of zinc concentrate and 30,000 tons of lead annually.  

The launch follows a series of preparatory meetings between local authorities, representatives of the state-owned mining group Sonarem, project officials, and local stakeholders, including landowners affected by the development. 

The Tala Hamza–Amizour project forms part of Algeria’s broader effort to expand its mining sector and diversify the economy beyond hydrocarbons, following the launch of iron ore extraction at the Gara Djebilet deposit. Another major project, the development of the phosphate deposit in Tébessa, is expected to enter production in 2027. 

Outlook: 

With the Tala Hamza–Amizour project, Algeria is further confirming its strategic ambition to expand the exploitation of domestic resources, a trajectory already visible in other major developments such as the Tébessa phosphate deposit and the Gara Djebilet iron ore project. As Algeria advances major mining projects alongside its existing hydrocarbon exports, authorities may be seeking to diversify the country’s export base while capitalizing on favorable global demand for strategic minerals.  

The project could also strengthen Algeria’s role as a supplier of key mineral resources while supporting the development of the domestic mining sector. Such initiatives may gradually position mining as a more significant pillar of Algeria’s broader economic strategy as the country looks for ways to diversify its economy away from dependence on oil and gas.  

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