Egypt Mining Forum 2026 concluded at The St. Regis New Capital in Cairo following its largest edition to date, bringing together more than 6,000 participants from over 50 countries to discuss mineral exploration, investment and the development of Egypt’s mining sector.

Held under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, who inaugurated the event on 28 September, the fifth edition was hosted by the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, supported by the Mineral Resources and Mining Industries Authority (MRMIA), and organised by dmg events. The two-day forum attracted more than 500 conference delegates, 100 speakers and 100 exhibiting companies.

The event placed Egypt’s mining reforms and investment ambitions at the centre of discussions between government officials, international mining companies, investors and industry experts. Egypt aims to increase mining’s contribution to around 6% of gross domestic product (GDP), supported by regulatory reforms, renewed exploration and greater domestic processing and downstream value creation.

Government outlines mining investment strategy

Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Karim Badawi outlined plans to attract exploration companies and advance projects from discovery to development and production. Reforms to licensing, fiscal terms, fees, permitting and investor services are intended to strengthen confidence and create a more competitive investment environment.

President El Sisi emphasised the government’s commitment to supporting private-sector investment, stating: “We affirm the Egyptian State's commitment to ensuring the success of investments by companies and business leaders, whether in mining or any other sector.”

The opening programme featured international industry leaders, including Alberto Calderon, CEO and executive director of AngloGold Ashanti; Doug Horak, CEO of the Australia-Africa Minerals & Energy Group; Rohitesh Dhawan, president and CEO of the International Council on Mining and Metals; and Namrata Thapar, global director of metals and minerals at the World Bank Group.

Their contributions examined Egypt’s investment potential, international partnerships, critical minerals and the policy conditions needed to unlock mineral resources.

Ministerial participation from across Africa and the Middle East reinforced the forum’s regional significance. Representatives included Egypt’s Industry Minister Khaled Hashem; Democratic Republic of the Congo Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba; Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister of Mining Affairs Khalid bin Saleh Al-Mudaifer; Tanzania’s Minerals Minister Anthony P. Mavunde; Uganda’s Minister of State for Mineral Development Phiona Nyamutoro; Tunisia’s Acting Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy Slah Zouari; Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Hassan Ali Joho; and Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources Foday Mousa Fofana.

Open Blocks system drives exploration interest

Exploration emerged as a central theme, with Egypt’s Open Blocks system attracting 119 companies and 403 offers across 118 mining blocks during its first three months.

The initiative aims to improve access to geological information, streamline licensing and encourage modern exploration technologies. Discussions focused on converting interest into discoveries, commercially viable projects and long-term production.

Participants also examined the mineral potential of the Arabian-Nubian Shield, which spans parts of northeastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Its geological resources, combined with competitive regulation, infrastructure and processing capabilities, could help Egypt attract investment as global demand for new mineral supply sources increases.

Critical minerals and resilient supply chains featured prominently, reflecting the industry’s growing focus on securing resources for industrial development and the energy transition. Participants highlighted the importance of competitive regulatory frameworks and stronger regional cooperation in attracting capital and increasing the economic benefits retained by producing countries.

Gold and downstream processing remain priorities

Gold remained a major focus, reflecting Egypt’s established production base and renewed international interest in exploration beyond the Sukari mine.

AngloGold Ashanti has indicated plans to expand its exploration activities in Egypt, signalling further interest in the country’s mineral potential. Discussions also highlighted responsible production, refining capacity and stronger domestic supply chains.

Beyond gold, Egypt aims to capture more value from phosphates and industrial minerals by expanding processing, manufacturing and downstream industries. The strategy seeks to move the sector beyond raw material extraction towards activities that generate greater economic returns, support industrial development and create opportunities throughout the mining value chain.

Achieving the government’s target of increasing mining’s contribution to around 6% of GDP will depend on attracting sustained investment, advancing exploration projects and developing the infrastructure and processing capacity needed to commercialise discoveries.

Regional cooperation gains momentum

The launch of the African Minerals Regulatory Authorities Forum (AFMRA) in Cairo reinforced efforts to improve cooperation among African mining regulators.

The initiative aims to strengthen regulatory collaboration and support competitive, investment-ready mining jurisdictions across the continent. Greater coordination could help countries address shared challenges, attract international investment and increase the value generated from mineral resources.

The forum’s international participation reflected growing interest in Egypt’s mining sector and the wider opportunities presented by regional mineral development.

Industry participation supports sector ambitions

The event received support from a broad group of international and Egyptian companies and institutions.

Partners included AFAQ Mining, AngloGold Ashanti, EBDAA Gold Mines, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, SAM Precious Metals and Saudi Gold Refinery Co.

Diamond sponsors included AkhGold, ARGAS, Aton Resources, Capital, Elsewedy Electric, Genesis Mining, Huawei, Komatsu, MovingFert and Xcalibur Smart Mapping. Platinum sponsors included Alwadi, Geodrill, Lotus Gold Corporation, Red Sea Resources and Shell Lubricants.

Gold sponsors included CNBM Sinoma, the Egyptian Company for Mineral Resources, the Egyptian Marketing Co. for Phosphate and Fertilizers, Misr Phosphate, Petrojet, Shalateen Mineral Resources Co., SCMS and WADICO.

Silver sponsors included ALS, CyPlus, Enppi, Mantrac, Metso, the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Polyserve Fertilizers, Pyramids and Tsurumi Pump. Armada Iveco, AVEVA and the Egyptian Maintenance Company were bronze sponsors.

As Egypt Mining Forum 2026 concluded, the focus remained on accelerating exploration, strengthening investor confidence and increasing the economic value generated from the country’s mineral resources. With reforms advancing and international interest growing, Egypt aims to establish a more competitive mining sector and strengthen its position within the Arabian-Nubian Shield and the global minerals industry. -OGN/TradeArabia News Service