In pictures: Arkab chairs a meeting on lithium exploration in Tamanrasset and Ain Guezzam – Algerian Dialogue

Today, Thursday, at the headquarters of his ministerial department, the Minister of Energy and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, chaired a meeting on the results of the mining exploration mission for lithium metal in the states of Tamanrasset and Ain Guezzam, which was carried out by mining experts affiliated with the Chinese group “Ganfeng Lithium Group”. Frames from the Ministry, from the mining industrial complex SONARAM, the National Agency for Mining Activities ANAM, the National Office for Geological and Mining Research ORGM, and the Agency for the Geological Service of Algeria (ASGA).

The meeting, which took place in the presence of representatives from the Ministry, and the President and Director General of the SONARAM Complex, the President of the National Agency for Mining Activities, the Chairwoman of the Managing Committee of the Geological Service of Algeria, and the President and Director General of the National Bureau of Geological and Mining Research, focused mainly on the most important results of the research and exploration mission. About lithium metal in both the states of Tamanrasset and Ain Guezzam, and identifying the most important sites and indicators of the presence of lithium and other rare mineral resources, based on geological studies and surveys in the region.

On this occasion, the Algerian-Chinese working team gave a detailed presentation on the results of the initial exploration, which were described as positive and the presence of indicators of the presence of many mineral resources and rare earths (fulram, tungsten, nibylium, tantalum and others…), similar to lithium metal, with the aim of developing an exploratory and development plan for… The medium and long term, taking into account the economic, technical and environmental aspects.

In this regard, the Minister of Energy and Mines pointed out the importance of research and exploration for rare materials and their production is also among the important axes in the mining sector development strategy, and expressed his full support for the work and research of the Algerian-Chinese working team in this field. He also called for the continuity of work to reach advanced stages and the development of a clear work plan based on physical and chemical studies of the surface and samples, with the aim of launching and embodying a concrete project for exploration and transformation of lithium ores, which comes within the framework of valorizing mineral resources in Algeria, and taking into account the necessity of determining the necessary measures and necessary needs for the project. In addition to activating cooperation in order to transfer technology, expertise and training.

The Chinese group “Ganfang Lithium” is considered a pioneer in the exploitation, production and transformation of lithium and metals, and the manufacture of batteries and their recycling in China and the world. The group has received global recognition, as it was included in the Forbes Chinese Lithium Industry Top 100 list, for the year 2023, and won the Innovation Award in the field of Environmental Protection 2023 by The Wall Street Journal.

For reference, lithium is used in many industrial and medical fields. Lithium metal is considered an essential element that is included in a number of modern civil and military industries and is used in the manufacture of electric cars through lithium batteries. It is also an essential component in the manufacture of smart phones, tablets, laptop computers, and digital cameras. Internet servers, and many modern technologies that depend on reducing emissions within the framework of the global trend to transition to a green economy and clean energy.