🇩🇿AlgeriaNorth Africa
New Minister Hanifi outlines priorities for mining sector, ending hydrocarbon oversight
via Algérie3603 min read
Mourad Hanifi, the new Minister of Mines and Mining Industries, has officially taken office, outlining an ambitious roadmap to modernize the legal framework, attract foreign capital, and develop the country's rich mineral deposits. The handover ceremony took place at the Ministry of Hydrocarbons, where Hanifi, 58, received the department's keys from Mohamed Arkab, who has been promoted to Minister of State. Karima Bakir-Tafer retains her position as Secretary of State. Hanifi, a geological engineer and former president of the National Agency for Mining Activities' steering committee, participated in drafting the new mining law 25-12. He aims to transform a sector that has been dormant for decades in the shadow of oil and gas. His strategy focuses on transparency, efficiency, and modernizing the legal framework to make the mining sector a key driver of the national economy. Hanifi emphasized implementing a modern mining reform that strengthens transparency, encourages investment, and provides an attractive legal framework to accelerate the transformation of natural resources into productive economic projects and jobs. He plans to simplify administrative procedures, improve the business climate, and prioritize local content and national skills development. The country possesses exceptional and diverse resources, including some of the world's largest phosphate reserves, the Tala Hamza-Amizour zinc and lead deposit, and confirmed prospects in gold, copper, and manganese. Hanifi s
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Zainab Ghebbache, a student with dual Algerian and Italian nationality, achieved a perfect score of 100/100 with "e Lode" with honors on the Italian Baccalaureate, known as the Esame di Maturità, in Belluno, Veneto. She was one of only six students at Renier High School to reach this academic distinction this year. Despite her literary background and passion for poetry, Ghebbache plans to pursue aerospace engineering at the University of Padua, aiming to establish herself as a woman in a scientific field. She also intends to earn a university degree in literature within the next two decades to continue her writing. Her achievement has been celebrated by the Algerian community in Italy, with the Federation of Algerian Students and Executives in Italy, through its founding president Houari Chelakh, congratulating her and her family. The federation expressed hope that Ghebbache will serve as a role model for future generations and a "worthy ambassador of Algeria" abroad.
The Global Peace Index GPI 2026, published by the Institute for Economics & Peace, reveals that global peace has declined for the 12th consecutive year. The report, based on 23 indicators including crime levels, internal conflicts, political stability, and militarization, shows a record number of active wars since 1945. Iceland maintains its position as the safest country for the 19th year, followed by New Zealand, Switzerland, Slovenia, and Ireland. Countries like Sudan, DR Congo, and Ukraine are at the bottom of the ranking, with Myanmar being the most critical in the Asia-Pacific region and Russia at the global bottom. Algeria is ranked 91st globally with a score of 2053 points, a slight drop of five positions from the previous edition. In the MENA region, Algeria is 8th, following Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman, and close behind Morocco, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Tunisia. Notably, Algeria surpasses France in the ranking, with France at a concerning 99th place among 163 nations.
Must ReadEngineering studies for Algeria's 1,400 km South-South water transfer project, designed to link Timimoun to Tindouf and supply the Gara Djebilet mining complex, are entering their final phase. This project is crucial for water security and industrialization in Algeria's Southwest. The engineering firm announced that the final phase, which includes topographic surveys, geotechnical soil investigations, and detailed study development, is 70% complete. Farid Djilali, director of the engineering firm, stated that the first two phases, involving data collection, solution identification, and technical option definition, are finished, and the project is on schedule. The studies are expected to conclude by the end of August, paving the way for administrative and technical procedures before construction begins. The main pipeline will span 1,300 to 1,400 kilometers, making it one of the country's longest water transfer conduits, complemented by a 600 km secondary network. The route originates from Ihraran in Ougrout Timimoun wilaya, crosses Béni Abbès and Béchar wilayas, and reaches Tindouf and the Gara Djebilet region. Three pumping stations will be built in Béni Abbès to maintain hydraulic pressure. This water transfer is vital for the Gara Djebilet iron ore deposit, which holds over 3.5 billion tons of iron ore. The project, set to launch in 2025, aims to reinforce drinking water supply for local populations, support agricultural development, and meet the substantial water needs of