Erg Chech 002 meteorite, the solar system's oldest volcanic rock, now exhibited in Maine
via Algérie3602 min read
The Erg Chech 002 meteorite, discovered in 2020 in the Erg Chech desert near Adrar, Algeria, is now on display at the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum in Bethel, Maine. This meteorite, a fragment of a protoplanet, is the oldest volcanic rock ever recorded, dating back 4.566 billion years, making it older than Earth itself. Unlike most basaltic meteorites, Erg Chech 002 has an andesitic composition, rich in silica, and features large greenish pyroxene crystals embedded in a gray mineral matrix. Scientists believe this structure indicates it originated from the crust of a protoplanet with complex geological activity shortly after the solar system's formation. This ancient world likely disintegrated in a cosmic collision, sending its fragments into space until one landed in Algeria. The Algerian Embassy in the United States confirmed its exhibition, highlighting the global scientific importance of the discovery. The embassy stated that the find symbolizes Algeria's deep historical roots, resilience, pride, and freedom, representing a "journey through space and time." Erg Chech 002 challenges existing astronomical models by suggesting that silica-rich planetary crusts were more common in the early solar system than previously thought, offering insights into planetary creation.
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Spanish shipping company Baleària is enhancing its maritime connections between Spain and Algeria, responding to increased demand and the needs of the Algerian diaspora. The company has unveiled new routes and services tailored for Algerian travelers, including halal catering and prayer areas. Over ten years in Algeria, Baleària has transported nearly 900,000 passengers. The company celebrated its decade of operations in Algiers, with its president, Adolfo Utor, and general director, Georges Bassoul, present alongside Algerian government representatives and partners. Since opening its first route, Valencia-Mostaganem, in 2016, Baleària has expanded its network to include six maritime links: Valencia-Mostaganem 2016, Valencia-Algiers 2024, Valencia-Oran 2024, Alicante-Oran 2024, occasional links, Barcelona-Algiers 2025, and Barcelona-Oran 2025. The company reported transporting 900,000 passengers, 360,000 vehicles, and approximately 100,000 linear meters of freight in Algeria over ten years. After a slowdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic, growth has resumed, with 2025 marking a record 165,000 passengers. Baleària views Algeria as a key strategic market for its international expansion, aiming for sustainable growth and strengthened economic and human exchanges. Services on board include Arabic-speaking staff, halal food, prayer rooms, family services, and Wi-Fi. The routes are served by ferries such as the Rosalind Franklin and Regina Baltica. Baleària also contributes to local
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During a visit to Souk Ahras, Lounès Bouzegza, the Minister of Hydraulics, emphasized the state's absolute priority on ensuring a regular supply of drinking water. He highlighted that this mission is a "national absolute priority" requiring coordinated central and local efforts. The ministry is implementing a policy focused on water security through optimizing existing infrastructure and valuing available resources, with a strong emphasis on field monitoring and rapid interventions to correct distribution imbalances. The minister announced an increase in Souk Ahras's water supply quota from the Aïn Dalia dam, raising it from 20,000 to 30,000 m³ per day. He also mentioned a strategic project to connect the Oued Djedra and Aïn Dalia dams, transferring 40,000 m³ of water to a treatment plant to address an estimated daily deficit of 28,000 m³. The region benefits from significant storage and production capacities, including three dams, 367 reservoirs, and 46 pumping stations. Additionally, a water transfer project from the Ouldjet Mellègue dam to the Oued Kebrit phosphate plant, spanning 30 km, was launched. The minister also addressed the issue of water loss, noting that over 40% of drinking water is lost due to leaks and illegal connections. He stressed the need for rational water use and enhanced control mechanisms. During his visit to Aïn Senour, he oversaw the commissioning of a 1,000 m³ reservoir and urged the acceleration of ongoing projects for completion before summer 20
Must ReadAlgeria's Ministry of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion has launched significant export operations to strengthen the "Made in Algeria" label internationally. The interim Secretary General of the Ministry, Abdesselam Djahnit, accompanied by the wali of Tindouf, Mustapha Dahou, oversaw the departure of 33 cargo shipments from Tindouf destined for the Mauritanian market. This event included a diplomatic presence with ambassadors from Niger, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Burkina Faso, along with chargés d'affaires from Senegal, Nigeria, Mauritania, Ghana, and Guinea-Bissau. These exports, managed by ten economic operators, include construction materials, agri-food products like dates, plastics, and household appliances. Simultaneously, the Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Commerce supervised the dispatch of a multi-sector cargo from Blida, targeting African markets, the Mediterranean basin, and Arab countries in Asia. This convoy includes pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, olive oil, and beverages. Blida has become a major export hub, recording nearly 30,000 tons of goods exported since 2024, valued at over 30 million dollars, a growth accelerated by industrial operating licenses granted to local operators. These initiatives demonstrate Algeria's commitment to diversifying its economy beyond hydrocarbons and fostering an internationally oriented industrial sector.