【Ferro-alloys.com】：Algeria has transported the first shipment of iron ore extracted from the Gara Djebilet mine in Tindouf Province, marking a keymilestone for the country's long-planned mineral export strategy, according to local media reports.

The initial shipment from the mine of Algerian state-owned Feraal amounting to approximately 1,450 mt of iron ore was movedfrom the mine site and forwarded toward processing and industrial hubs in Bechar for initial processing before being transported toAlgeria-based steel producer Tosyall Algerie's complex in Bethioua, Oran.

The cargo is being shipped over the strategic Bechar-Tindouf-Gara Djebiletrailway, a nearly 950-kilometre heavy-haul line designed to link the vast minewith northern industrial centers and export routes. The railway has enteredtesting and operational runs, representing a critical logistics artery for heavymining freight.

Industrial significance and export prospects

The Gara Djebilet deposit is one of the largest iron ore reserves globally, withestimated reserves in the billions of metric tons, and is part of Algeria'sstrategy to diversify its economy beyond hydrocarbons.Once fully operational, the mine and rail link are expected to support significant ore flows to domestic processing plants, strengthen local steelproduction capacity, and open export opportunities via Mediterranean portsOfficials have highlighted that the first shipment not only demonstrates theoperational launch of mining infrastructure but also reflects Algeria's broaderambitions for industrial value creation and economic sovereignty.

The successful movement of iron ore from Gara Djebilet, decades after the deposit was first discovered, is being descrbed as atuming point for Algeria's mining sector and a step toward establishing the country as a significant producer and exporter of ironore and steel-related materials.

• [Editor:Alakay]