Algeria, Canadian company reach mining agreement

Algeria's Office of Geological and Mines Researches (ORGM) signed an agreement yesterday with Canada's Breakwater Resources, Ltd. to work in Oued Amizour and look for zinc ore, the official Algerian news agency reported.

The Oued Amizour field contains 11 millions tons of zinc ore, the report said, adding that the agreement was signed in Toronto, Canada at the Mining Millennium 2000 convention and trade exhibition.

Algerian Minister of Energy and Mines Chakib Khelil stated Wednesday at the Toronto event that Algeria seeks private investment in the sector, saying that wealth from mines helps economic and social development.