La valorisation des minéraux stratégiques et le développement de la filière lithium examinés
Title: Promoting the Lithium Industry in Algeria: A Strategic Partnership between Sonarem and International Experts
On a recent meeting in Algiers, Belkacem Soltani, the CEO of the Sonarem Group, discussed collaboration opportunities with Pr. Karim Zaghib, an international expert in lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries and energy storage technologies. The primary agenda was to explore how to leverage Algeria’s strategic minerals locally and develop the lithium sector within the country. This initiative aligns with Algeria’s broader strategy to enhance the value of its mineral resources while accelerating its energy transition, as highlighted in a release from the Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Renewable Energies.
During the meeting, attended by Sonarem’s executives and subsidiary CEOs, Soltani emphasized the group’s ambition to establish an integrated mineral transformation industry that encompasses exploration and the production of final products. This initiative is particularly significant in the context of Algeria’s strategic vision for local mineral resource utilization and energy transition.
Soltani underscored the necessity of forging fruitful partnerships with qualified experts and industry stakeholders, exemplified by his engagement with Pr. Zaghib. Such partnerships are vital for local mineral valorization, lithium industry enhancement, and battery manufacturing through the utilization of resources such as iron, phosphate, and lithium. He also revealed plans for the establishment of a new phosphoric acid production unit aimed at reducing mineral product imports, increasing non-hydrocarbon exports, and adding value to mineral resources through transformation processes.
The CEO expressed complete alignment with the strategies and insights offered by Pr. Zaghib, reaffirming Sonarem’s commitment to providing technical and logistical support as well as sharing relevant geological data. This collaboration aims to transform Algeria’s mineral resources into a significant driver for industrial and technological development. Soltani described this partnership as an expression of a sincere desire to advance the mining sector sustainably, thereby enhancing Algeria’s national economy and energy sovereignty.
In response, Pr. Zaghib presented a comprehensive vision for establishing an integrated lithium ecosystem in Algeria. He advocated for the development process to include exploration, manufacturing, research, and development stages. A key aspect of his vision involves creating specialized institutes aimed at training Algerian talent in renewable energy, energy storage, and advanced technologies.
The discussions during this meeting highlight an ongoing commitment to enhancing the lithium industry in Algeria, which has significant untapped potential given the country’s rich mineral resources. As strategic minerals like lithium become increasingly important in the global shift towards renewable energy and advanced technology solutions, Algeria is positioning itself to capitalize on these opportunities for economic growth and environmental sustainability.
In summary, the meeting between Sonarem’s leadership and Pr. Karim Zaghib represents a strategic step towards developing Algeria’s lithium sector and mineral resource optimization. By focusing on local mineral transformation and fostering partnerships with international experts, Algeria aims to harness its mineral wealth for industrial advancement and energy independence. Such initiatives not only promise to enhance the national economy but also elevate Algeria’s status as a participant in the global energy transition and technological advancement landscapes.
