Egypt’s MMEA in Focus: A Legislative Review from Mineral Resources Law No. 198 of 2014 to Law No. 87

Parliament’s recent approval of the Model Mining Exploitation Agreement (MMEA) is a testament to Egypt’s commitment to building a transparent, investor-friendly mining sector. Since 2014, Egypt’s mining industry has undergone significant transformation through comprehensive legislative and regulatory reforms aimed at creating a more attractive and competitive investment environment. This transformation began with amendments to the Mineral Resources Law, followed by the adoption of international contracting models and policies designed to encourage direct investment in exploration and production. The new law establishes a clear framework to govern both exploration and exploitation phases, simplifying licensing, enhancing clarity, and offering balanced fiscal terms for investors.

Attendee Insights

Panellists will review Egypt’s mining sector legislative reform journey from 2014 to 2025, highlighting the investment opportunities unlocked by the new legal framework.

Risk, Reward, and Reality: How Mining Companies and Investors Evaluate Global Opportunities

Junior, mid-tier, and major mining companies, led by their boards and management teams, are constantly seeking new investment destinations where they can apply their skills, expertise, and resources to create financial rewards through mineral exploration and extraction. Major firms and institutional investors assess each jurisdiction based on a combination of factors including its geological potential, regulatory clarity, political environment, and financial stability. While some jurisdictions offer rich geological potential, they may also come with regulatory, geopolitical, or financial risks. On the other hand, many locations may offer better stability but may be less resource rich. Mining is an inherently high-risk and highly competitive industry, with countries actively competing to attract investment from global mining firms. While no country is entirely risk-free, those that implement investor-friendly policies, ensure regulatory transparency, maintain political stability, and invest in infrastructure can reduce risks, enhance their appeal, and secure a larger share of global mining capital.

Attendee Insights

This panel discussion explores how junior, mid-tier, and major mining companies, investors and analysts assess new markets, and the key factors driving decision-making.

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.

Strategic Pathways to Mineral Discovery and Development in 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. While the mineral potential is evident, significant exploration challenges persist. The harsh desert environment, particularly the limited availability of water needed for advanced techniques such as drilling, can impede progress. However, the realisation of this promise requires more than mineral wealth alone. Recent reforms in Egypt’s mining sector have signalled a shift towards a more competitive and transparent framework, laying the groundwork for increased investment and long-term development.

Attendee Insights

This panel brings together country managers from leading exploration companies operating in Egypt to discuss the Eastern Desert’s potential, not only from a geological perspective but also through the lens of infrastructure, regulatory policy, and investment strategy.

Spotlight on Equatorial Guinea’s Mining Sector

From Extraction to Industry: Advancing Competitive Refining and Downstream Mineral Sectors

Mineral resources have long been a cornerstone of economic growth and industrial development worldwide. While exploration and mining forms the first link in the value chain, true economic transformation takes place when countries and companies invest in refining and downstream processing. Historically, many resource-rich regions have focused primarily on exporting raw minerals, whether it’s gold, copper, rare earths, or critical minerals, missing out on the potential to retain more value locally. In recent years, there has been a growing push toward developing domestic refining and processing capacity to create higher-value products, strengthen local industrial sectors, and reduce reliance on imported materials. With global economies shifting toward supply chain localisation and manufacturing self-sufficiency, mineral-rich countries are uniquely positioned to support key industries such as automotive, electronics, fertilizers, cement, and clean energy by supplying reliable, locally processed raw materials.

Attendee Insights

This panel will discuss how mineral-producing countries can maximize the value of their resources through strategic refining and downstream integration, while boosting local industries.

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

To complement the transformation of 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.