Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Tarek El Molla and Minister of Environment, Yasmine Fouad have agreed to formulate a cooperation protocol between the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) and the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority (EMRA) aiming to set environmental measures for mineral exploration and production (E&P), a press release reported.

The agreement was reached during the two ministers’ meeting to discuss ways to enhance environmental compatibility and sustainability in mining operations. The meeting came as  part of the joint effort exerted by the two ministries to reach a model of environmental compatibility in mining similar to the successful model that was applied to the petroleum operations in the Gulf of Suez.

El Molla affirmed that this period will witness unprecedented cooperation between the two ministries through agreements on plans and programs to achieve right and sustainable practices in the light of the sustainable strategy adopted by the government.

El Molla indicated the importance of separating mineral E&P operations in the new law. For her part, Fouad stated that a meeting will be hold between the chairman of EEAA, the head of nature conservation sector, evaluation officials and representatives from EMRA to evaluate the impact of projects on the environment and to achieve mutual interest.