Tapping the Geological Potential of Egypt’s Eastern Desert

The Eastern Desert of Egypt, forming a significant part of the Arabian-Nubian Shield, remains one of the most geologically promising yet underexplored regions in the world. Its rich geology includes structurally controlled gold deposits, volcanic-associated base metals, and rare earth elements. One of its key advantages is the extensive surface rock exposure, which enables efficient remote sensing to quickly identify structural and lithological variations across large areas, allowing companies to prioritise zones for ground-based exploration. However, the harsh desert environment poses a major challenge for exploration companies in Egypt, particularly the limited availability of water, required for advanced exploration techniques such as drilling.

Attendee Insights

This panel will feature exploration experts with direct experience operating in Egypt, who will discuss the Eastern Desert’s structural framework and geological potential, highlighting how its complex tectonics and mineral-rich formations present significant opportunities for modern exploration.

Managing Exploration Risks and Unlocking Resource Potential

Junior mining companies take on speculative investments in early-stage exploration, knowing that many projects will not lead to success. However, when they do succeed, the potential rewards can be substantial, leading to commercial discoveries that significantly increase the value of their assets, attract larger investors or major mining companies for partnerships or acquisitions, and ultimately generate high returns on investment. Many projects fail to advance beyond early drilling, often due to poor resource quality, lack of funding, or unexpected geological challenges. Managing these risks effectively can mean the difference between securing investment and advancing a project or facing financial setbacks and project abandonment.

Attendee Insights

This discussion will provide actionable insights on managing exploration risks, securing financing, and applying best practices to maximise resource potential.

The Role of Egyptian Minerals in Future-Proofing Manufacturing and Key Industrial Sectors

As Egypt looks to diversify its economy and strengthen its industrial base, the strategic use of domestic mineral resources can play a key role in driving local value addition, supporting key manufacturing sectors, and reducing reliance on imported raw materials. The country possesses a broad spectrum of industrial and metallic minerals, from phosphate, silica sand, and kaolin to iron ore, copper, and rare earth elements, that are essential not only to traditional manufacturing but also to high-growth sectors such as fertilizers, cement, automotive, electronics, and clean energy. With global economies shifting toward supply chain localisation, Egypt’s mining industry is uniquely positioned to future-proof its industrial sectors by supplying reliable, locally sourced raw materials that can fuel long-term manufacturing growth.

Attendee Insights

This session explores how Egypt’s mineral wealth can be leveraged to strengthen and future-proof key industrial sectors.

Increasing Transparency and Accessibility for Investors Through Egypt’s Mining Portal

Following plans to transform EMRA into an economic body, Egypt is launching a dedicated investment portal that will reshape its mining industry in line with a modernised mining code. This initiative represents a major step toward creating an investment-friendly sector, offering greater transparency, accessibility, and efficiency for potential investors. The portal is designed to facilitate investment opportunities for companies interested in Egypt’s exploration sector, while also promoting the country’s mining industry globally and providing updates on upcoming bid rounds. Serving as a centralised hub, the platform will connect stakeholders, enhance transparency, and streamline investment processes. It will enable the government to provide real-time geological data, making it easier for investors to access licensing opportunities for exploration, understand regulatory frameworks, and obtain key resource information needed to make informed investment decisions and accelerate exploration projects.

Attendee Insights

This session will introduce the features, benefits, and strategic importance of Egypt’s Investment Portal, demonstrating how it increases transparency and improves licensing efficiency.

Assessing Progress and Mapping the Future of Egypt’s Mining Sector

After one year in office, HE ENG Karim Badawi, Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, has led significant advancements in Egypt’s mining sector, notably finalising the Model Mining Exploitation Agreement, alongside industry partners Barrick Gold Corporation and AngloGold Ashanti. This framework is designed to unlock Egypt’s rich mineral resources, modernise the mining sector and position the country prominently on the global investment map. Moving forward, the continued implementation of investor-friendly policies, together with investments in people and talent development, will be essential for fully realising the sector’s economic potential and achieving a mining contribution of 6% to Egypt’s GDP. As these reforms gain momentum, what new mining concessions and bid rounds can investors anticipate in the coming months?

Attendee Insights

This fireside chat with HE ENG Karim Badawi will offer an exclusive look into Egypt’s mining roadmap, reviewing progress achieved since his appointment, and the government’s long-term vision for sector growth.