The Egypt Mining Forum continues in Cairo on Tuesday, September 29, with the major industry event entering its second and final scheduled day. The forum began on Monday, September 28, in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital and is bringing together government officials, mining companies, investors and representatives from different countries. The event is focused on expanding exploration and attracting investment into Egypt’s mineral resources.
The forum is being held under the theme of unlocking Egypt’s exploration potential and the resources of the Arab Nubian Shield. Egypt’s government is using the event to present opportunities in gold, phosphate and other minerals. Officials have also highlighted changes to the investment framework as part of a wider effort to make mining more attractive to international companies.
Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources said the country is seeking to increase the contribution of mining to the national economy. The ministry has highlighted a target of raising mining’s contribution to gross domestic product to around 6 percent in the coming period. The government also wants more processing and manufacturing inside Egypt so that mineral resources create greater value before products leave the country.
The forum follows the introduction of a new open-block system for mining areas. According to the ministry, the first three months after the system was launched produced strong interest from companies. A total of 119 companies, including more than 14 foreign companies, submitted 403 offers covering 118 blocks. The areas offered cover almost 45,000 square kilometres and include locations considered promising for gold, phosphate, talc and kaolin.
Gold remains one of the most important parts of Egypt’s mining strategy. The Sukari gold mine is a major example of the country’s existing mineral production. The government is presenting the mine as evidence that Egypt can develop large-scale mining projects and attract international expertise. Officials also want future projects to include more processing and technology instead of focusing only on extracting and exporting raw materials.
The forum is also being used to discuss Africa’s wider mining sector. Egypt has been seeking stronger cooperation with other African countries on geological surveys, exploration, regulation and investment. Such cooperation could help countries develop mineral resources while increasing local processing and industrial activity.
Infrastructure is another part of Egypt’s investment message. The country has ports on the Mediterranean and Red Sea, a large road network and access to the Suez Canal. Officials argue that these connections can support mining companies by providing routes for equipment, raw materials and finished products. Egypt’s location between Africa, Asia and Europe is also being presented as an advantage for companies looking to reach international markets.
The government has also discussed changes to the institutional and legal framework for mining. A new law has reorganised the country’s mineral resources authority, while officials are working on new gold exploitation agreements and other measures intended to make investment procedures clearer. The government says geological data and exploration information are also being improved to reduce uncertainty for companies.
The second day of the forum gives investors another opportunity to discuss projects and possible partnerships. While the event itself is only two days long, the government hopes that agreements and investment decisions developed around the forum will continue beyond the event.
For Egypt, the mining push is part of a broader attempt to diversify economic activity and attract foreign capital. The September 29 programme therefore has importance beyond the conference hall. It is tied to the country’s plans to develop mineral resources, create jobs, increase exports and build industries around locally produced materials.
