Egypt Targets Bigger Mining Role in Economy Ahead of 2026 Mining Forum

Egypt is seeking to raise the mining sector's contribution to the economy to between 5% and 6% of gross domestic product by 2030 as part of a broader effort to unlock the country's mineral wealth and attract investment, Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Karim Badawi said on Thursday.

Badawi made the remarks while chairing the first meeting of the Executive Committee of the 2026 Egypt Mining Forum (EMF), scheduled to be held on Sept. 28-29 in the New Administrative Capital. The meeting brought together representatives of Egyptian and international mining companies and forum organizers to review preparations for the event.

According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Egypt's mining sector is undergoing a significant transformation driven by legislative, regulatory and institutional reforms implemented through cooperation between the government, parliament and the private sector.

Badawi said continued dialogue with investors was essential to maximizing the benefits of the reforms and promoting investment opportunities internationally.

Located within the mineral-rich Arabian-Nubian Shield, Egypt possesses substantial reserves of gold, copper, phosphate, iron ore, kaolin, silica sand, sulphur and other critical minerals.

The minister said this year's forum would adopt a broader vision focused on building a fully integrated mining ecosystem, covering the entire value chain from exploration and geological surveys to mine development, production, mineral processing, manufacturing and value addition.

He added that technology, innovation, digital transformation and environmental sustainability would be central themes of the forum, describing them as key pillars for developing a modern and globally competitive mining industry.

The ministry said the 2026 edition is expected to be the largest since the forum's launch in 2022, attracting a record number of investors, mining companies, sponsors and official delegations.

The event is expected to feature ministers, senior international officials, chief executives of major mining companies and representatives of global financial institutions participating in around 15 high-level sessions. A technical program will include approximately 10 sessions and more than 40 speakers from Egypt and abroad, alongside roundtable discussions, bilateral meetings and an exhibition showcasing mining technologies and services.