Algerian Minister Yahia Bachir Plans Revamp of El Hadjar Steel Plant

Algerian Industry Minister Yahia Bachir visited Annaba on 6 August to inspect the El Hadjar steel complex and nearby industrial sites, including the Ferrovial rail‑equipment plant and the Cital tram‑and‑train manufacturer. He reported that many installations at El Hadjar have reached the end of their life cycle and called for a comprehensive modernisation programme.

The minister outlined four priority axes: upgrading production equipment with the latest technologies, integrating the full value chain from direct‑reduced iron to finished products, establishing win‑win international partnerships, and creating added‑value jobs to strengthen Algeria’s industrial sovereignty. He ordered a full technical assessment of the plant and stressed the need for clearer strategic objectives and stronger monitoring mechanisms.

During the tour, Ferrovial presented its capacity to produce railway wagons for the eastern mining line, projecting the creation of about 2 000 jobs across the sector, including roughly 500 at Ferrovial. Bachir highlighted the importance of sub‑contracting, quality control, and linking Ferrovial’s output with the El Hadjar steel chain to build an integrated national steel value chain. Cital showcased its tram and train manufacturing and maintenance facilities, reinforcing the broader push to develop Algeria’s rail transport industry.