Officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (MoPMR) conducted an inspection visit to the phosphate production sites of the New Valley Mineral Resources and Oil Shale Company (Wadico) in the El Shaghab area of Edfu, Aswan Governorate, as part of the ministry’s strategy to advance Egypt’s mining sector.

WADICO’s phosphate operation is located in the Al-Jira area of Esna, west of El Sebaia, covering a concession area of 9.1 square kilometers (km). Crushing operations began in October 2014, and the site has extracted and stockpiled approximately 2.2 million tons (m/t) of phosphate ore. The mine currently holds operational reserves estimated at 3.5 m/t, supporting the company’s ongoing production activities.

The delegation began its tour by reviewing exploration and prospecting activities, including the technical programs being implemented and field operations. They also inspected WADICO’s drilling rigs, highlighting the company’s efforts to strengthen its operational capabilities and increase reliance on its own equipment.

The officials then reviewed the company’s mining operations, from overburden removal and phosphate ore extraction to the transportation of ore to the crushing facilities. They also inspected WADICO’s main crusher, which operates using a programmable logic controller (PLC) system to improve operational efficiency, enhance product quality, and increase productivity.

The visit underscored Wadico’s commitment to maintaining high standards of occupational health and safety (HSE). The delegation reviewed workers’ compliance with safety procedures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to safe operating practices across the site.

During the visit, WADICO’s management presented the company’s future vision for transitioning toward green mining through the adoption of sustainable operating practices, modern technologies to reduce environmental impacts, and measures to improve resource efficiency.

The inspection was led by Mohamed El-Bagoury, Head of Central Administration for Legal Affairs at the MoPMR, and Reda Selim, Chairman of Wadico.

Wadico is an Egyptian joint-stock company under the umbrella of MoPMR, established in May 2007. It has five mineral concessions located at Esna, Marsa Allam, and Ras Gharib for producing phosphate, kaolinite sand, hematite and limonite, and fluorspar.