Egypt’s Mineral Resources and Mining Industries Authority (MRMIA) has held meetings with international mining companies to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation and attract further investment into the country’s mining sector, according to statements issued by the authority on November 9.

MRMIA Chairman Amr El Sherqawy met with Omar Abdel Nasser, General Manager of Canadian company Lotus Gold Corporation, to discuss prospects for future cooperation and review available investment opportunities, in support of the government’s plans to develop the mining sector and maximize the value of Egypt’s mineral resources.

El Sherqawy also met with Khaled Mortagy, Head of Capital Limited in Egypt, to explore potential areas of cooperation and ways to increase investment in mining, exploration and prospecting activities.

In a separate meeting, he received Sherif Barakat, General Manager of Canadian company Aton Resources, to discuss prospects for cooperation, review developments in the company’s operations in Egypt and explore ways to support its investment plans.

El Sherqawy stressed the importance of maintaining communication and coordination with companies operating in the sector and creating an attractive investment environment to encourage the expansion of exploration, prospecting and mining activities. Such efforts would serve mutual interests and support the government’s strategy to develop the sector.