Algerian zinc and lead mine to come online in 2026
24 February 2023
The project to exploit the zinc and lead deposit in the districts of Amizour and Tala-Hamza, in Algeria’s Bejaia region, will go into production in 2026.
This was confirmed by Meriem Touatila, the general manager of the Algerian-Australian joint venture, Western Mediterranean Zinc (WMZ), which holds the exploration permit.
The deposit is thought to be one of the largest zinc mineralisations in the Mediterranean region.
Speaking on 20 February, Touatila said that the company is planning to acquire land and establish a processing plant for the zinc and lead ores from the mine.
Rail transportation upgrade projects are also being undertaken to facilitate the transportation of materials from the mine.
The site is expected to produce 170,000 tonnes of zinc concentrate every year, according to figures released by the Ministry of Energy and Mines in March 2022.
The mine has faced opposition from local citizens' associations, which consider that the project represents a danger to the environment.
The project is estimated to be worth $580m and its scope includes:
- Construction of processing units
- Construction of storage facilities
- Installation of safety systems
- Construction of access routes
- Construction of parking facilities
The discovery of zinc and lead reserves was first announced in 2007. Since then, numerous studies have been carried out and the project has been delayed several times for a variety of reasons.
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The request for qualifications (RFQs) was issued by the municipality’s Sewerage and Recycled Water Projects Department (SRPD).
The bid submission deadline is 26 February.
The first scheme under the package is TF-16-C1, which involves upgrading and rehabilitating the stormwater system east of the Dubai Canal.
The second, TF-15-C2, will deliver stormwater links along Umm Suqeim Road to serve the Al-Barsha and Al-Quoz communities.
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In January, local firm DeTech Contracting won the main contract to construct a stormwater drainage system in Jebel Ali.
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Modon tenders Ras El-Hekma construction contracts
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Abu Dhabi-based developer Modon Holding has tendered several contracts as part of the first phase of development at Ras El-Hekma, a planned new city on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast.
MEED understands that the tenders were issued in January.
These include:
DP3 assets: covering 146 residential villas, 590 three-bedroom townhouses, 356 four-bedroom townhouses, a mall and other associated works.
Bids due on 23 February.
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Modon has accelerated development works at Ras El-Hekma this year. In January, MEED reported that Modon Holding had awarded a E£15bn ($316m) contract for the construction of a project at Ras El-Hekma.
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The signing ceremony was held at the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority headquarters in Aqaba on 5 February.
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The announcement followed AD Ports Group’s signing of a shareholders’ agreement in January 2024 between its digital arm, Maqta Gateway, and Jordan’s Aqaba Development Corporation regarding their existing joint-venture company, Maqta Ayla.
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Chinese firm wins Ceer automotive supplier park deal
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