Petroleum Min. Signs MoU with China’s Asia Potash to Boost Phosphate Exploration

The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China’s Asia Potash Group, aiming to enhance cooperation in phosphate exploration and maximize the added value of this vital mineral.

The MoU was signed by Yasser Ramadan, Chairman of the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority (EMRA), and Zhang Yuyi, Vice President of Asia Potash, during a ceremony attended by Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi.

Following the signing, Minister Badawi highlighted that this partnership aligns with the ministry’s broader strategy to modernize the mining sector and significantly increase its contribution to the national economy. Currently contributing less than 1% to the GDP, the ministry’s goal is to raise this figure to 5–6%, by attracting serious investments and expanding high-value downstream activities.

“This agreement supports our vision of developing a comprehensive and integrated system for optimizing the use of mineral resources,” the minister said. “By partnering with experienced international companies like Asia Potash, we are opening the door to new opportunities in geological exploration, reserve evaluation, and the establishment of value-added industries.”

Phosphate, widely used in agriculture and industrial applications, is one of Egypt’s key mineral assets. The collaboration aims to assess reserves, explore untapped deposits, and study the potential for setting up downstream industries that convert raw phosphate into higher-value products, such as fertilizers and specialty chemicals.