CAIRO: Egypt is setting ambitious targets to significantly enhance its mining sector’s contribution to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from the current 1% to between 5% and 6%, as announced by Karim Badawi, the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources. This strategic move aims to bolster the country’s economy through a more diversified and robust mining industry.

According to State Information Service Egypt, during a meeting with executive officials from the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority (EMRA), Minister Badawi underscored the importance of developing mineral processing industries. These industries are seen as a crucial value-added component poised to maximize returns from Egypt’s mining endeavors. The minister called for competitive and investment-friendly agreements within the mining field to attract both local and international investments.

Badawi emphasized the diversification of investment sources, highlighting the role of the Egyptian private sector alongside international entities
. He stressed the importance of adhering to occupational health, safety, and environmental protection standards as key factors in attracting and retaining investments in the sector.

Additionally, Badawi pointed out the ongoing progress in transforming the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority into a more economically driven entity. This transformation aims to enhance the efficiency of operations and support decision-making processes, with legislative measures currently being pursued to facilitate this transition.