CAIRO - 18 December 2024: Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi, has unveiled plans to launch a Digital Mining Platform in early 2025, a pivotal step toward modernizing the country’s mining sector. The announcement was made during a high-profile meeting with local and international mining investors, aimed at discussing investment opportunities and sector reforms.
In his remarks, Minister Badawi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing the mining industry’s contribution to Egypt’s GDP, with a target increase from the current 1% to between 5% and 6%. Achieving this ambitious goal will involve attracting greater investment and introducing legislative and operational reforms to foster a competitive and investor-friendly environment.
One of the flagship reforms is the transformation of the Mineral Resources Authority into an economic entity, a move intended to streamline operations and align Egypt’s mining framework with international standards. This initiative is complemented by the removal of bureaucratic barriers, the development of investment models for gold exploitation, and the modernization of administrative processes.
Additionally, a global tender has been launched by the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority, inviting investors to explore kaolin sand, glass sand, and other associated minerals in various regions. The tender, open from December 18, 2024, to February 13, 2025, underscores the government’s proactive approach to fostering exploration and development opportunities.
The launch of the Digital Mining Platform is anticipated to revolutionize the sector by promoting investment opportunities and leveraging modern technologies to streamline operations. Minister Badawi also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen regional and international cooperation, sharing expertise in mineral resource exploitation with partner countries.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Deputy Speaker Ahmed Saad El-Din and members of Parliament’s Industry and Legislative Committees. They commended the ministry’s use of modern technologies, such as satellite applications, to enhance mining operations. Chair of the Industry Committee, Mohamed El-Sallab, called for amendments to mining laws to encourage the localization of mining industries and proposed the creation of a comprehensive mineral resources map to aid long-term planning.
Minister Badawi emphasized the critical role of Egypt’s political leadership and collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office in driving reforms. Notable achievements include initial agreements with major international players, such as Canada’s Barrick Gold, the world’s second-largest gold mining company. These agreements reflect Egypt’s commitment to building partnerships and opening new tenders for mineral exploration.
With these advancements, Egypt’s mining sector is poised for significant growth. The reforms, coupled with cutting-edge technology and international cooperation, aim to position the country as a competitive player in the global mining market. The Digital Mining Platform, along with upcoming tenders and investments, represents a transformative era for the industry and a promising future for stakeholders.
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