Egypt is aiming to increase the mining sector’s contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) to approximately 6%, up from less than 1% currently, as part of a broader strategy to modernize the industry, maximize the value of mineral resources, and expand downstream manufacturing activities.

Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi outlined the target during a meeting with employees of the Mineral Resources and Mining Industries Authority at its headquarters. The discussions focused on ongoing reforms, sector development plans, and key priorities for the coming period.

The meeting was attended by Amr Ismail El Sharkawy, Chairman of the Authority; geologist Yasser Ramadan, Head of the Ministry’s Central Administration for Geological Research and Information; and several senior officials.

Badawi said the ministry is working to transform the authority into a more commercially oriented economic entity capable of managing and developing Egypt’s mineral resources while maximizing their financial returns.

The transformation follows the issuance of the Mineral Resources Law and its executive regulations, alongside broader regulatory and operational reforms designed to attract investment and improve resource utilization.

The minister emphasized that developing the mining sector goes beyond expanding investment opportunities and increasing exploration activities. It also involves establishing an integrated industrial ecosystem that maximizes the economic benefits of mineral resources, supports downstream industries, and boosts domestic production.

As part of this strategy, Badawi highlighted the decision to halt exports of raw phosphate, describing it as a key measure aimed at increasing the value added to Egypt’s mineral resources.

Rather than exporting minerals in their unprocessed form, the government is seeking to expand the production of finished and semi-finished goods with higher economic value, generating greater returns for the Egyptian economy and creating new opportunities for investment and industrial development.

Badawi also pointed to strong investor interest in mineral exploration opportunities under the open-area licensing system, saying it reflects growing confidence in Egypt’s mining investment potential.

He noted that the increasing demand underscores the importance of recent reforms aimed at streamlining investment procedures and improving access to exploration opportunities for both domestic and international companies.

The minister further highlighted the latest edition of the Egypt Mining Forum, held under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, as evidence of the government's commitment to developing the sector and promoting Egypt’s mineral wealth to the global investment community.

Regarding the authority’s institutional development, Badawi stressed that improving employee conditions and the working environment remains a top priority.

He said the ministry is working with the Ministry of Finance to finalize updates to the authority’s internal regulations, aligning them with its new economic mandate while improving employee benefits and operational efficiency.

Badawi praised the authority’s workforce, describing human capital as a fundamental pillar of the sector’s development strategy.

He also thanked geologist Yasser Ramadan for his contributions during his tenure as head of the authority, particularly the organizational and legislative reforms implemented under his leadership.

The minister emphasized the importance of building on those achievements and continuing the reform process under the leadership of Amr Ismail El Sharkawy.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Badawi commended the Egyptian Armed Forces for their efforts to combat illegal and unregulated mining activities in southern Egypt and protect the country’s mineral resources from unauthorized exploitation.