EMF was inaugurated by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, who affirmed in his remarks during the opening session Egypt’s commitment to ensuring the success of investments by companies and business leaders, whether in the mining sector or in any other field.
The session featured a film titled “Egypt: From the Gold of the Past to the Future of Mining,” followed by remarks by Badawi and Alberto Calderon, CEO of the gold mining giant AngloGold Ashanti. A documentary on the Sukari gold mine, 50 % owned and operated by AngloGold Ashanti, was also screened.
Calderon highlighted Egypt’s human capital as a key factor supporting the development of its mining industry, adding that Egyptian workers operate complex underground and open-pit mining operations to international standards.
The two-day forum, held in the New Capital on September 28-29, brings together more than 6,000 participants from over 50 countries, alongside more than 100 exhibiting companies and over 500 conference delegates.
“Egypt has the required foundation to turn mineral resources into actual engines for economic growth and job creation,” said Namrata Thapar, Global Director, Metals and Minerals at the World Bank Group. She cited Egypt’s mineral wealth, strategic geographical position, and established industrial base, alongside the government’s reform agenda, as factors that could support development across the mining value chain, from exploration and production to processing, manufacturing, and exports.
Meanwhile, Rohitesh Dhawan, President and CEO of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) said :”Egypt is not only positioned as a powerhouse for mining but also as a critical minerals hub for the region”.He also highlighted Egypt’s downstream industrial and processing capabilities, as well as its large domestic market, saying these factors, combined with the country’s geological potential, could support its development as a major player in the mining sector.
The forum is being held under the theme “Unlocking Egypt and the Arab Nubian Shield’s Exploration Potential” and includes strategic and technical sessions addressing investment, exploration, project development, processing, technology, and mining value chains.
Following the opening ceremony, El-Sisi inaugurated the Egypt Mining exhibition and toured the stands of the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Capital Drilling, Elsewedy Electric, and AngloGold Ashanti.
Badawi reviewed Egypt’s strengths in developing the mining sector, foremost among them the diverse geology of the Eastern Desert and South Sinai, and the country’s strategic position within the Arabian–Nubian Shield, which offers opportunities to explore for gold, copper, base metals, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements.
He added that these geological advantages are complemented by abundant energy resources, a modern network of roads, ports, and infrastructure, and a geographic location linking three continents with access to both the Mediterranean and Red Seas, as well as the Suez Canal—one of the world’s key trade arteries. Together, these factors provide a strong foundation for building an integrated mining sector and attracting long-term investment.
