BACKGROUND OF SONAREM

Mining activity in Algeria dates back to antiquity, as evidenced by various archaeological studies. Numerous remains, particularly from the Roman era, testify to the exploitation of copper in Ouenza in eastern Algeria, argentiferous lead in Skikda, marble in Filfila , and salt in the Chotts.

1966

Nationalization of the mines

1967

Foundation

Creation of the National Mining Research and Exploitation Company (SONAREM)

1983

Restructuring

Restructuring of SONAREM with the creation of five major mining companies (FERPHOS, EDEMINES, EREM, ENOF, ENAMARBRE, ENASEL) and, in 1987, ENG

1990 – 2001

Sector management

Management successively ensured by the “Mines, Hydrocarbons, and Hydraulics” Participation Fund (1990–1996), the Public Mines Holding (1996–2000), then the Sidmines Holding (2000–2001)

2002

Creation of SGP SOMINES

Creation of SGP SOMINES, the “Mines” Equity Management Company, inheriting part of the assets and prerogatives of the former dissolved Holding Sidmines. It then managed a portfolio of seven state-owned companies, as well as a participation in ENOR’s capital

2011

The Consolidation and the Birth of the MANAL Group

Creation of the “Manadjim El Djazair” Industrial Mining Group (MANAL Spa), bringing together all the state-owned companies in the sector: FERPHOS Group, ENOF, ENAMARBRE, ENASEL, ENG, ENOR, AGENOR, and ORGM. Its main missions are to develop mining exploration and operation, valorize and process resources, ensure their marketing, and promote training, research, and innovation

2018

MFE joins the portfolio

Integration of the company MFE (Iron Mines of the East) into the Group's portfolio

2020

Ministerial oversight

Group’s affiliation with the newly created Ministry of Mines

2021

New affiliation and capitalization

Integration into the Ministry of Energy and Mines with a capital of 5 billion dinars and a portfolio of ten mining companies

2023

The Return to SONAREM

On April 13, the Extraordinary General Assembly formalizes the return to the historical name: National Mining Research and Exploitation Company (SONAREM)

2025

Ministerial Attachment

Group’s affiliation with the newly created Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Mines

2026

Ministerial oversight

Group’s affiliation with the newly created Ministry of Mines and Mining Industries

Today, SONAREM Group comprises 13 totally-owned subsidiaries. With a rich heritage and a consolidated organization, it is now a key player in national mining and industrial development