Tala Hamza Zinc and Lead Mine in Algeria: Exploitation Phase Begins, Massive Reserves and Economic Impact

The Tala Hamza mine in Algeria, which aims to exploit zinc and lead reserves in the Amizur Valley in Bejaia Province, will enter the exploitation phase next Saturday, November 11.

The Minister of Energy and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, is supervising the laying of the foundation stone for the project, accompanied by an important delegation of leaders from the sector, as the project is considered one of the structural projects in the field of mines, given the size of its reserves, to cover the national needs of zinc and lead, and to aim to export a share of the production to foreign markets. .

The Tala Hamza mine in Algeria contains the largest global reserves of zinc and lead ore, as its area is estimated at 23.4 hectares, with exploitable reserves amounting to 34 million tons.

Tala Hamza mine in Algeria

Sources from the Ministry of Energy revealed in statements to the Energy Platform that the launch of the actual implementation and exploitation stages of the project came after the completion of all technical and environmental studies necessary to move forward with the implementation of this type of project.

Within the framework of implementing the project, a mixed company was established with the Australian partner TERRAMIN in February 2006, under the name “Western Mediterranean Zinc” (WMZ), and the Ministry of Energy and Mines worked to reconstitute the shareholding of the company in charge of implementation, as 51% of the capital was granted. The money goes to the Algerian party and 49% to the Australian partner.

Risk studies were also prepared in September 2022, and an environmental impact study in January 2023, followed by procedural stages such as approval as a classified institution, and the issuance of a decree canceling the classification of 6.6 hectares of agricultural land in favor of the project, which was approved. , and published it in the Official Gazette on July 2, 2023, and issued the public utility declaration decree related to the exploitation of the zinc and lead reservoir, and published it in the Official Gazette on September 23, 2023.

One of the mines in Algeria – archive

The Ministry of Energy confirms the trend towards measures aimed at activating exploration, exploitation, research and stimulating institutions specialized in the mining field, to increase national revenues.

In September 2021, the Algerian government launched a strategic plan for the mining sector as part of its strategy to diversify the national economy, as many projects are being developed, some of which are on the short-term priority list, led by the Tala Hamza mine in Algeria.

The Ministry of Energy is implementing practical steps to remove challenges facing mineral exploration operations and searching for and strengthening profitable partnerships with companies with experience in the field of mining activity, in order to increase the sector’s contribution to economic development in Algeria.

The Ministry of Energy is moving to review the mines law, review the national mining map, encourage research and exploration, and develop mines under exploitation through restructuring, organizing, and redeploying mining companies, in order to develop the sector and increase its contribution to the national product.

The national strategy also focuses on opening investment and encouraging foreign companies in the mining and mineral industries to transfer technology, knowledge and skills, while preserving national content and transferring expertise through training.

Oued Amisour mine

The Tala Hamza mine in Oued Amisur is one of the 10 largest mines in the world in terms of zinc and lead reserves. Studies completed in partnership with the Australian company “Tiramine” indicate that the mine’s reserves are estimated at 54 million tons, of which 34 million tons are extractable.

The mine’s reserves consist of 78% zinc and 22% lead, which places Algeria in third place in the world in terms of zinc reserves, according to data seen by the specialized energy platform.

The Ministry of Energy and Mines expects that the annual production from the Tala Hamza mine in Algeria will reach about 170,000 tons of zinc and 130,000 tons of lead, which will allow the import bill to be reduced, in order to meet national needs, and increase revenues by exporting surplus production.

In previous statements to the Specialized Energy Platform, Advisor to the Minister of Energy, Masoud Houfani, said that the development of the Oued Amizur mine exploitation project will contribute significantly to supporting the national economy and developing the economy in the region, as well as placing Algeria on the list of the largest zinc ore producing countries.

The demand for zinc is increasing in light of countries’ efforts to expand energy conversion projects, as it is used in many industries, including the mechanical industry and the battery industry, which pushed its prices to rise, as the price of a ton of zinc reached 2,400 dollars, while the price of a ton of lead reached 2,200 dollars. $.

In mid-May, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune directed the Council of Ministers to accelerate the completion of the project to exploit the zinc and lead mine in Oued Amisour, stressing the “extreme” economic importance of the project.

Tebboune ordered the reduction of all periods related to sub-technical workshops to accelerate the entry of the Tala Hamza mine project into investment, especially since it has passed the stage of administrative settlements.

One of the mines in Algeria – archive

The cost of the Tala Hamza mine development project in Algeria is estimated at approximately $471 million, and 3 main stages have been identified for its implementation, as follows:

The first stage: construction of the mine and factory within a period of 2 to 3 years. The second stage: entering into the exploitation of the mine for a period of 19 years. The third stage: closing and rehabilitating the exploited site within a period of 5 years.

The project is expected to provide 786 direct job opportunities and more than 4,000 indirect job opportunities, and the Ministry of Energy and Mines’ expectations indicate that the project’s profits are estimated at about $60 million annually.

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2023-11-09 13:13:47
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