Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources reviewed progress on a number of phosphate and phosphoric acid projects as the ministry seeks to develop higher-value industries around the country’s mineral resources.

The projects aim to turn phosphate ore into fertilizers, phosphoric acid and other products through partnerships with Egyptian and international investors. Badawi said maximizing the value of mineral resources remains a key priority for the ministry’s mining sector strategy.

Egypt has promising mineral resources, he said, adding that the focus should shift from extracting and exporting raw materials toward building industries around them to generate greater economic returns.

Moreover, Badawi directed the Mineral Resources and Mining Industries Authority (MRMIA) to maintain close contact with investors, support new projects and address challenges facing projects already under construction. The meeting reviewed projects by Abu Tartour, Elsewedy Group, Polyserve Fertilizers and Chemicals, Indorama, Xingfa, MovingFert, and Genesis, alongside the International Company for Petroleum and Industrial Services (Income) Kaolin Sand Ore separation project.

The push follows progress on several phosphate investments. In July, Badawi and Elsewedy Electric President and CEO Ahmed Elsewedy reviewed preparations for the first phase of a $1 billion integrated phosphate complex in Ain Sokhna. The phase will produce phosphoric acid and DAP/TSP fertilizers, with capacity of 300,000 tons per year for each product.

Earlier, in June 2025, Egypt signed agreements to begin construction of the Abu Tartour phosphoric acid complex in New Valley, with the project likewise aimed at increasing the economic value of Egyptian phosphate ore.