Algeria has reached a major infrastructure milestone with the completion of full-track installation on the Western Mining Railway, Africa’s first heavy-haul desert railway. The 575-kilometer line is designed to support industrial growth and mineral exports in the Sahara region.
The project, jointly constructed by China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) and Algerian state-owned partners, is the largest single infrastructure build by a Chinese firm in Algeria.
It highlights deepening economic cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. Construction crews worked for more than 24 months under harsh desert conditions, overcoming extreme heat, shifting sands and limited water supplies to finish three months ahead of schedule.
The railway is designed to handle 32.5-tonne axle-load freight trains and passenger services of up to 160 kilometers per hour.
It features more than 580 kilometers of laid and welded rail and introduced Algeria’s first CPG500 track-laying machine and automated welding technology, significantly boosting efficiency.
Strategic link for mining and economic development
The Western Mining Railway is central to Algeria’s strategy to unlock the vast Gara Djebilet iron ore deposit in the southwest, one of the world’s largest iron reserves, and connect it with industrial zones and ports for processing and export.
Experts estimate the railway could carry 20 million tonnes of iron ore annually, strengthening Algeria’s steel industry and export potential.
The project also created thousands of local jobs and trained more than 1,000 workers, earning praise from Algerian officials for its economic and social impact.
By enabling more efficient bulk transport, the railway is expected to reduce logistics costs, attract further investment in mining and processing, and enhance Algeria’s role in regional trade networks.
