Egypt is launching in the first quarter of this year its first comprehensive aerial survey of mineral resources in 40 years, aiming to update geological data and build a large database to attract Arab and global mining investments. This announcement was made by Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawy during a meeting between President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, according to a statement from presidential spokesperson Mohamed El-Shennawi. The spokesperson stated that the meeting reviewed several files of the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, especially efforts to implement Egypt's strategy to become a regional energy hub and a regional gas trading center, as well as developments in seismic activities at sea and in the air. The meeting also covered efforts to expand onshore and offshore oil and gas exploration operations, including plans to diversify gas supply sources and incentives for exploration companies, aiming to make Egypt one of the most attractive countries for investment in this sector. The spokesperson mentioned that the meeting discussed the government's efforts and coordination between the ministries of Petroleum and Mineral Resources and Electricity and Renewable Energy to secure Egypt's gas needs, especially for the summer of 2026. President el-Sisi also followed up on developments in Egypt's mining sector, the size of the geological reserves, and investment indicators in this vital sector. A new package of incentives for international exploration companies and the facilitation of licensing procedures were also reviewed, based on Egypt's rich geology and integrated infrastructure. President el-Sisi directed the need to continue committing to the dues of oil and gas companies operating in Egypt and fulfilling commitments towards them, which will lead to an increase in local production of oil and gas, while providing incentives to accelerate and intensify the development of fields and production and conduct new explorations. The Egyptian President also stressed the need to intensify efforts to expand the scope of exploration, benefit from successful experiences, and provide more incentives and facilities to investors in the oil, gas, and mining sectors, contributing to enhancing the volume of investments and increasing production to meet growing consumption and development needs.
