The Western Mining Line is the foundation for transporting mineral resources to seaports and abroad

Author : Samir BenAbdelaziz, Nadjat Wassila Belghanami

Abstract :This research paper aims to conduct a quantitative study of the data of the Grotto Djebilet project, which is closely linked to the construction, commissioning, and transformation of the Béchar-Tindouf-Grotto Djebilet railway line into added value, a qualitative leap forward in Algeria's economic development. Among the most important findings highlighted in this analytical study are: The valorization of the Grotto Djebilet mine to support the local market in the iron and steel industry and to secure and guarantee the independence of national iron production, whose reserves are estimated at more than 3 billion tons of iron ore, of which 1.7 billion tons are exploitable according to preliminary studies. The project will provide approximately 3,000 field jobs in the first phase, and will create other related craft professions to drive socio-economic development in southwestern Algeria. The development of the southwestern region of the country will be achieved through major projects accompanying the mine exploitation project, with the possibility of exporting manufactured and semi-manufactured materials after satisfying the domestic market. Boosting passenger and freight transport between the south and north of the country. The project is expected to be completed by 2026, with an annual processing capacity of 3 million to 50 million tons of iron ore. This will allow for the production of 12 million tons of liquid iron, thus boosting the export bill. The completion of the Bechar-Tindouf-Ghar Djebilet railway line in southwestern Algeria constitutes essential infrastructure for the exploitation of iron ore at Ghar Djebilet, a mine with estimated reserves of 3.5 billion tons. This 950-kilometer line is scheduled to become operational in late 2025 or early 2026 and will connect the extraction areas to industrial centers and ports, facilitating the transport of iron ore to Bechar and Oran.

Keywords :Promoting Trade Exchanges, African Neighborhood, Strengthening Manufacturing Zones, Railways And Ports, Mineral Resources.

Conference Name :International Conference on Transportation Economics and Finance (ICTEF-25)

Conference Place Doha, Qatar

Conference Date 8th Sep 2025