Algerian gold, diamonds and uranium mines to be explored exclusively by Chinese companies

Visit that was led by the Prime Minister, Abdelmalek Sellal to China a few days ago, accompanied by the President of the Forum of Institutions Heads, Ali Haddad, several members of the government and State Officials, ends the “dream” of France to nail exclusivity of the exploitation of gold, diamonds and uranium mines in the large Algerian south, that remained “virgin” for many years, before it was decided to explore these mines in partnership with foreign companies, as France was the first candidate to win these deals along with Qatar.

Special meeting, which brought together the Prime Ministe, Abdelmalek Sellal, with a number of the government members, investors and managers of Chinese companies that are operating in Algeria, includes promises to grant China the priority in invest in the energy and mining sector during the next phase, in the forefront of gas and oil deals in the eastern and western ergs, as those deals attract American and British companies, but remained frozen for years.

 A part of the fields that will be explored in the fifth tender of the gas is expected to be revealed, and will be follow-up by the oil agency.

Chinese companies received promises to be among the first to exploit the gold, diamonds and uranium mines, during the next phase, in the large southern Algeria, as these mines have already been discussed with the Minister of Industry and Mines, Abdessalam Bouchouareb,  who talked about awarding them for Qataris, during a meeting with advisers and businessmen from Doha, two months ago at the headquarters of his ministry, However, the Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal asked the Chinese to accelerate the completion of housing projects that are outstanding, that they realize in Algeria, and stressed the need for the transfer of modern technology and teach the Algerian companies, and the completion of the industrial cities projects, that they get as modeled on the ancient city of Shanghai and the completion of the largest port between Tenes and Cherchell.

Chinese officials responded to the Prime Minister through filling a complaint against the Algerian departments, mayors and governors who are still practicing bureaucracy and who stood behind the blocking of most of the projects, adding that Chinese companies are “known as fast in the achievement of if they were no administrative obstacles.”

China is counting strongly on the large southern Algeria to enter the African market, as Algeria is considered the gateway to storm the markets in Mali, Niger, Chad, Ivory Coast, Senegal, especially in light of the major projects that are undertaken by Algeria.