By:Dzair-tube

Algiers, Algeria | November 26th, 2024 — Minister of State for Energy, Mines, and Renewable Energies, Mohamed Arkab, held a high-level meeting on Monday in Algiers with two members of the Council of the Nation representing Tamanrasset, alongside the President of the Municipal People’s Assembly (APC) of Tazrouk. The discussions centered on critical issues in the energy and mining sectors impacting the southern region of Algeria, as stated in a ministry communiqué.

The meeting took place at the ministry’s headquarters with Council members Abdellah Messek and Sidi Mhamed Messek, as well as APC President Oufenayet Edaber. Senior ministry officials were also in attendance, underlining the gravity and scope of the issues being addressed.

This engagement reflects the ministry’s ongoing commitment to fostering dialogue with representatives of Algeria’s parliamentary chambers and local authorities to address pressing regional concerns. Chief among these were the connection of Tamanrasset to robust energy infrastructure, the enhancement of electricity production and distribution—particularly through the “Tin Tarabine” power plant project—and the equitable distribution of petroleum products, including propane, butane, and automotive fuels.

Strategic Investments and Local Development

The discussions extended beyond energy, encompassing the sector’s critical role in advancing social and economic development. Topics included ongoing and proposed mining projects, notably initiatives related to artisanal gold mining, as well as broader investment opportunities aimed at driving economic activity and job creation in the wilaya.

Minister Arkab provided comprehensive clarifications on each of the issues raised, reaffirming his ministry’s dedication to addressing the concerns and proposals presented by the Tamanrasset representatives. He emphasized the government’s commitment to implementing necessary measures to resolve challenges, enhance regional development, and support project execution in energy and mining.

Commitment to Supporting Regional Growth

Arkab underscored the ministry’s continuous efforts to finalize and operationalize various programs and projects in Tamanrasset, with a particular focus on empowering local investors in the mining sector. He reiterated the ministry’s intention to create a supportive ecosystem for young entrepreneurs aspiring to engage in artisanal gold mining, which is seen as a vital avenue for wealth generation and employment.

Highlighting the strategic importance of these initiatives, Arkab assured stakeholders of the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with all relevant entities to ensure the success of energy and mining projects. This includes addressing logistical challenges, streamlining regulatory processes, and facilitating access to necessary resources.

The meeting represents a vital step in aligning national policies with regional needs, reinforcing Algeria’s commitment to equitable development and the optimal utilization of its abundant natural resources. Through such targeted engagements, the government seeks to promote sustainable growth and address disparities in access to energy and economic opportunities, particularly in remote regions like Tamanrasset.

In reaffirming the ministry’s priorities, Arkab concluded by emphasizing the energy and mining sector’s pivotal role in Algeria’s long-term socio-economic strategy, committing to continued efforts to deliver tangible benefits to the region’s population.