During his official visit to Perth, Western Australia, Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, led high-level engagements focused on building technical expertise and strengthening investment partnerships in mineral exploration and development.

The visit featured the signing of a Letter of Intent between the Mineral Resources and Mining Industries Authority and Curtin University—one of the world’s foremost mining institutions. This agreement lays the groundwork for two specialized training programs. They aim at equipping Egyptian mining professionals with skills in advanced geology, resource estimation, geotechnical integration, mining engineering, project economics, and data-driven optimization.

On the investment front, Badawi held discussions with Liam Twigger, Executive Director and Deputy Chair of Argonaut, to explore ways to support and finance mining projects—particularly for startups and mid-sized companies. Both sides reviewed mechanisms to enhance technical and investment cooperation, as well as potential partnerships with international financing institutions.

In a separate meeting, the Minister discussed with Chris Stavrianou, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Poynton Stavrianou, the financial advisory support for Egypt’s mining sector. Talks included an assessment of the Ministry’s newly announced incentives aimed at encouraging junior companies to undertake mineral exploration, and the potential need for additional reforms to widen access to financing.

Additionally, the Minister met with David Parker, Executive Director of the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA), where discussions focused on potential partnership opportunities and increased Australian engagement in Egypt’s mining and critical minerals industries.

Badawi also met with Vanessa Haberland, CEO of Austmine, an organization representing around 750 Australian Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) companies. The meeting explored ways to connect Egypt’s mining sector with Australia’s advanced expertise in mineral exploration, mining technologies, and innovation-driven solutions across the value chain.

On the sidelines of his visit to Australia, Minister Badawi announced a package of incentives to encourage investors and attract mining investments to Egypt, including reducing annual rental fees for mineral resources exploration licenses, drilling supplies, and associated services, and introducing a flexible multi-ore licensing system instead of obtaining multiple licenses.