Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, witnessed the launch of a specialized training program at Australia’s Murdoch University to develop the capabilities of staff from the Mineral Resources and Mining Industries Authority (MRMIA).

The first group includes 10 MRMIA staff members who will receive training in strategic planning, governance, inspection and critical minerals. The program comes under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between MRMIA and Murdoch University, according to a statement by the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (MoPMR).

Badawi attended the launch during his participation in the Africa Down Under mining and energy conference in Western Australia, alongside Yasser Ramadan, Chairman of MRMIA, Murdoch University officials and the participating staff members.

Badawi said developing human capabilities remains a priority for Egypt’s mining sector. He urged participants to make full use of the scientific and practical experience offered by the program and transfer the knowledge they gain to colleagues at MRMIA.

The program follows preparations announced in March 2026, when Murdoch University received approvals to provide advanced training for MRMIA geologists and affiliated companies. The program grew out of a letter of intent signed during Badawi’s visit to Perth in November and was designed to combine technical training with practical exposure to Australia’s mining sector.

In May 2026, Badawi met the first two groups nominated for the program before their training in Australia. The program was tailored to MRMIA’s needs in strategic planning, governance, inspection, critical minerals, and advanced deposit systems, with participants expected to gain direct exposure to Australian mining companies and practices.