Eng. Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, affirmed that, in less than two years, Egypt has successfully implemented practical and substantial steps and reforms to develop the mining investment environment, prepare the sector to attract further investments, and transform Egypt's geological resources and potential into clearer and more investment-ready opportunities for investors.
Eng. Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, emphasized in his speech to Africa Down Under conference, held in Perth, Australia, one of the world's leading mining hubs, that Egypt's ongoing reform program aims at bringing about a transformative shift in the mining sector. This included updating the legislative framework, enhancing the role of the Egyptian Mineral Resources and Mining Industries Authority, and introducing a new exploitation model based on royalties and taxes, in line with international practices and systems.
He added that Egypt has introduced the Open Block System, allowing mining opportunities to be made continuously available for investment throughout the year, allowing investors to assess available blocks and apply for them as soon as they are ready, without waiting for bidding rounds, thereby reducing the time required and accelerating the start of exploration activities.
The Minister pointed out that the reform program was developed in response to the demands raised by investors, as part of an ongoing dialogue with the mining community that has been underway since the fourth quarter of 2024. A key milestone in this dialogue was the previous edition of Africa Down Under, followed by meetings, discussions and visits to Cairo, through which Egypt gained first-hand insight into the needs of companies and the challenges they face, and took action to implement a number of practical proposals put forward by the industry.
He pointed out that the reforms also included moving toward an integrated One Stop Shop investor-support model under the Mineral Resources and Mining Industries Authority, helping facilitate approvals and administrative procedures and enabling more efficient engagement with challenges facing exploration and mining activities.
He asserted that the development of the legislative framework and MRMIA's role has enabled the participation of various government entities involved in approvals and licensing in the Authority's structure, supporting faster coordination and decision-making and enhancing the efficiency of engagement with investors.
The Minister added that a package of incentives has been introduced to attract gold exploration and mining companies, particularly junior a d mid-tier companies, which play a key role in the discovery of gold and other minerals.
He also highlighted that a comprehensive digital mining platform is being developed, to enable investors to review available areas and access geological data.
The Minister asserted that Egypt has approximately 100,000 km2 of exposed Precambrian basement rocks across the Eastern Desert and southern Sinai, forming part of the Arabian-Nubian Shield, with promising potential for gold, copper, base metals, nickel, cobalt, platinum group elements, rare metals and rare earth elements.
He noted that the production of approximately half a million ounces of gold from Sukari Gold Mine in 2025 represents practical evidence of the significant potential of Egypt's mining sector. He commended AngloGold Ashanti's efforts to develop the mine, as well as the pivotal role played by Egyptian personnel, who represent the vast majority of the workforce and leadership positions.
The Minister emphasized that the cooperation Egypt seeks with Australia in mining goes beyond attracting investments to include technology, mining services and capital, as well as leveraging Australia's accumulated expertise in exploration, mine development and training, in return for the extensive geological opportunities, strategic location, infrastructure and energy resources, as well as qualified workforce that Egypt offers.
The Minister invited mining and exploration companies, financial institutions and technology providers to visit Egypt and gain insight into the opportunities and potential offered by the sector. He also invited them to participate in Egypt Mining Forum, scheduled to take place on September 28 in the New Administrative Capital, and to review the available data and opportunities and engage directly with the Mineral Resources and Mining Industries Authority (MRMIA).
The Minister emphasized that the Egyptian government is keen to be a partner to investors and to continue listening to the industry community and developing the investment environment based on investors' actual needs. He added that Egypt has already taken tangible steps to develop the legislative and investment environment and offer new opportunities, stressing that the door is open to mining and exploration companies and the private sector to benefit from the promising potential and opportunities offered by Egypt's mining sector.
Eng. Karim Badawi also participated in a reception session for senior ministers and prominent figures attending the first day of the conference, where he delivered brief remarks highlighting the positive developments Egypt has made in creating a more attractive investment climate in the mining sector, as well as efforts to attract further investments and achieve a qualitative leap in the sector.
Eng. Karim Badawi During His Speech at Africa Down Under 2026 - 3
Eng. Karim Badawi During His Speech at Africa Down Under 2026 - 2
Eng. Karim Badawi at Africa Down Under 2026
