Une nouvelle stratégie sera élaborée pour relancer la filière du marbre
Revitalization of Algeria’s Marble Industry: A New Strategic Approach
In a recent visit to Skikda, Mrs. Karima Tafer, Algeria’s Secretary of State for Mines, announced plans for a new strategy aimed at revitalizing the country’s marble sector. This initiative is envisioned to rejuvenate Algeria’s historically significant marble industry, which has faced various challenges over the years.
Mrs. Tafer emphasized the need for a collaborative approach in developing this strategy, involving the national mining company, Sonarem. The focus will be on training, marketing, and management to re-establish the position of Algerian marble in both local and international markets. She acknowledged that Sonarem has encountered difficulties but expressed confidence that these issues would be addressed effectively.
The Secretary of State highlighted that revitalizing the marble sector aligns with directives from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who prioritizes the development of this industry as part of a broader effort to reduce import costs, enhance the value of national products, and foster exportation.
A key component of the new strategy is the establishment of a partnership between Sonarem and the Italian Marble Federation, which will lead to the creation of a training school for workers in the marble industry. This initiative aims to equip employees with the necessary skills in extraction, processing, and treatment of alabaster, with training from Italian experts complemented by local professionals.
Mrs. Tafer underscored the importance of the mining sector to Algeria’s economy, calling for the implementation of a more transparent legal framework to better regulate mining activities. Such reforms are intended to facilitate both private and foreign investments in the industry.
In addressing the exploration and geological research efforts, she assured that these activities have been ongoing. Recently, the launch of 26 mining research projects signifies the country’s commitment to identifying its mineral resource potential, which includes a myriad of untapped mining resources.
During her visit, Mrs. Tafer was accompanied by Belkacem Soltani, CEO of Sonarem, and they both engaged in discussions on the current status of the mining and energy sectors in the region. The visit included tours of a marble quarry in Filfila and a marble processing plant located along the Ilot des Chèvres route, providing insights into the operational aspects of the marble industry.
This strategic push represents a significant development for Algeria’s marble sector, emphasizing the government’s commitment to economic diversification and the sustainable development of local resources. By fostering partnerships with experienced international entities and focusing on workforce training, the initiative aims to elevate the quality and competitiveness of Algerian marble in the global market.
Summary
The Algerian government, represented by Secretary of State Karima Tafer, is preparing to launch a comprehensive strategy to rejuvenate the country’s marble sector, which has faced several challenges. This initiative will involve collaboration with the national mining group Sonarem, focusing on training, marketing, and management to restore Algeria’s marble industry to its former prominence in national and international markets. As part of this initiative, a partnership with the Italian Marble Federation will establish a training school to enhance the skills of workers in marble extraction and processing. The government is also working on a new legal framework to encourage private and foreign investments in mining. Tafer reassured that ongoing geological research and exploration activities would continue, highlighting their importance in identifying the country’s mineral resource potential. Overall, this effort highlights a critical commitment to economic diversification, workforce enhancement, and increased competitiveness in the marble industry.
