French Colonial Companies and the Exploitation of Southern Oran: The Kenadsa Coal Mine as a Case

This study investigates the economic role of French colonial companies in Southern Oran, Algeria, with a particular focus on the Kenadsa coal mine. Established in the early 20th century near Béchar, the Kenadsa mine became a key asset in fueling French industry. The paper explores how colonial authorities organized and managed mining operations, prioritizing resource extraction for metropolitan benefit while subjecting local Algerian workers to exploitative labor conditions, racial discrimination, and socio-economic marginali-zation. The research also addresses the environmental and social repercussions of these practices, which left long-lasting scars on the region. By analyzing the Kenadsa coal mine as a case study, the paper highlights the broader dynamics of colonial exploitation in Algeria’s resource-rich southern territories.