President Abdelmadjid Tebboune launched the “western” mining railway line on Sunday, February 1, 2026, a milestone in Algeria’s bid to become a global mining power. The 950-kilometre line links the Gara Djebilet iron ore mine in the far southwest to Béchar, and it marks the operational launch of one of Algeria’s largest strategic infrastructure projects since independence.

It is the longest railway ever built in the Algerian desert. It includes 45 railway bridges totalling nearly 20 kilometres, and a 4-kilometre structure spanning the Daoura River. The President praised its completion in under 24 months. At the ceremony he welcomed the first passenger train from Tindouf, and received the train carrying the first iron ore shipments from Gara Djebilet to Oran.

The mine itself is huge. Its reserves are estimated at more than 3.5 billion tons, and together with the Mechri Abdelaziz mine it holds nearly 90% of Algeria’s untapped iron ore potential. The energy and mines ministry said production would rise gradually to around 50 million tonnes a year within 15 years. That would meet domestic needs and let Algeria export the surplus for the first time.

For the region, a formerly isolated desert corridor is becoming a new industrial and logistical hub, attracting investment and creating jobs. Officials describe the first shipment as a turning point for Algeria’s mining sector, and a step toward becoming a significant producer and exporter of iron ore and steel-related materials. It is a major step in diversifying beyond oil and gas.

Culled from Algeria Press Service (APS, official): https://www.aps.dz/en/presidency-news/ml4un7iu-president-tebboune-attends-celebratory-events-marking-official-launch-of-western-mining-railway