Karim Badawi, Egypt's Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, has affirmed that the country is prepared to welcome mining investments and is developing a competitive global mining sector. He highlighted recent reforms that instill confidence in investors to commit capital to large-scale, long-term projects. These remarks came during his participation in the International Mining Conference in Riyadh.
At the International Mining Conference in Riyadh, Karim Badawi, Egypt's Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, delivered a keynote address emphasizing the country's readiness to attract mining investments. Badawi stated, "Recent developments send a clear message that Egypt is ready to receive mining investments and is building a mining sector capable of competing globally, providing investors with the confidence to inject capital and implement large-scale, long-term projects."
The minister explained that Egypt is currently mapping unexploited areas within the Arabian-Nubian Shield and other mineral-rich regions, while actively promoting investment opportunities across a wide range of minerals. During a panel discussion on the role of technology in maximizing the utilization of mineral resources, Badawi stressed the need to prioritize modern technologies and policies that enable the optimal use of available resources.
To boost the mining sector's contribution to national output, Egypt has enacted comprehensive reforms, including updates to the contractual framework and the digitization of licensing and approval procedures. These changes ensure investors operate within a clear and transparent system covering the entire value chain, from exploration to production. Badawi noted that partnership with governments is a core pillar of the mining industry, with Egypt evolving from a mere regulator to an investment-enabling partner.
This shift is bolstered by upgrading geological data, facilitating investor access to it, and establishing mechanisms for ongoing engagement with mining companies. These measures have led to growing interest from major global mining firms and increased exploration and prospecting activities across Egypt. Badawi added that Egypt will continue to accelerate fast-track exploration programs, adopt advanced technologies, and build national capabilities in the field of critical minerals.