Egypt signs protocol to process TE-NORM waste from oil companies

Egypt’s ministers of petroleum and mineral resources and electricity and renewable energy on Sunday witnessed the signing of a cooperation protocol aimed at safely treating petroleum waste and maximising returns from terrestrial and rare mineral resources.

The agreement, signed by the Nuclear Materials Authority (NMA) and the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC), covers the treatment of technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials (TE-NORM) waste, petroleum residues, sludge, and produced water, ensuring compliance with national and international environmental and health standards.

Under the protocol, NMA will conduct surveys, environmental assessments, and implement safe disposal and treatment plans using the best available technologies, while EGPC will provide detailed reports, waste site data, and logistical support to facilitate operations.

Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat said the protocol strengthens the NMA’s strategic role in extracting valuable elements from terrestrial resources and underscores the state’s plan to increase economic returns and strategic value from its natural resources.

Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawy described the agreement as a model of integrated collaboration between the two ministries. He said the initiative aligns with Egypt’s environmental strategy, emphasising safe waste management, recycling, and sustainability in petroleum and mining operations.

The ministers highlighted that the protocol includes training programs, technical committees, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure adherence to safety standards and effective implementation.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English