Egypt Grants Landowners New Rights to Explore Minerals Under Revised Mining Regulations

Egypt’s cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, approved significant amendments to the executive regulations of the country’s Mineral Resources Law, in a move aimed at enhancing investment opportunities while reinforcing regulatory oversight across the mining sector.

The revisions, which amend provisions of the executive regulations originally, introduce a more structured framework governing exploration and exploitation licenses for mines, quarries, and saltworks, as well as permits for specialized rock and mineral analysis laboratories.

One of the most notable changes grants landowners, holding officially registered titles, the right to apply for licenses to explore and extract mineral resources within their own land. Applications must be submitted to the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority or the relevant authority, accompanied by required documentation and fees, and subject to compliance with technical and legal standards.

Under the new rules, licenses issued to landowners will be granted in their personal capacity and exempt from rental fees, a measure expected to incentivize small-scale investment and formalize previously unregulated activities.

The amendments also impose clear geographic restrictions, prohibiting the issuance of licenses in archaeologically significant zones, protected natural reserves, urban areas, public utilities, places of worship, and cemeteries. Additional limitations apply to land adjacent to critical infrastructure, including airports, highways, railways, oil and gas pipelines, irrigation networks, dams, and reservoirs, unless prior approvals are obtained from relevant authorities.

Government entities are now required to respond to licensing-related approvals within a maximum of 30 days, aiming to streamline administrative procedures and reduce delays for investors.

The updated framework authorizes the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority to establish or participate in mining and exploration companies both domestically and internationally. The regulation stipulates that public sector participation must not fall below 10 percent, ensuring a continued state stake in strategic mineral activities.

These entities will remain subject to all financial, technical, and operational requirements outlined in the law.

A new advisory committee will be formed by ministerial decree, chaired by a representative from the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, and comprising officials from relevant entities and industry experts. The committee is mandated to convene at least four times annually to provide guidance on key sectoral issues.

In line with Egypt’s broader digital transformation strategy, the amendments also formalize procedures for submitting exploration license applications through the “Egypt Mining Portal,” enhancing transparency and accessibility. Licenses will be granted for defined areas, with durations of up to two years, renewable under specific conditions, and subject to annual exploration expenditure commitments per square kilometer.

A newly introduced chapter establishes a regulatory framework for licensing laboratories specializing in the analysis of rocks and mineral raw materials. These facilities will conduct chemical, physical, and geological testing, and will be subject to strict operational standards and inspection protocols.