Egypt’s Cabinet approves first nationwide mineral survey in more than 40 years

Egypt’s Cabinet approved a plan to conduct a nationwide airborne geophysical survey to identify potential mineral deposits, the first such mapping in more than four decades, the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources said on Thursday.

The Cabinet authorised the Mineral Resources and Mining Industries Authority (MRMIA) to contract X-Calibur to carry out the survey across six geographic zones covering the entire country.

The project will use advanced airborne technologies and involve cooperation with local institutions, including the Nuclear Materials Authority (NMA), whose aircraft will participate alongside those operated by X-Calibur. Drone Tech will also take part in the operations.

The survey will produce a high-resolution geophysical database to help identify mineral-rich areas, update Egypt’s geological map, and support the preparation of new mining investment opportunities, the ministry said.

The move forms part of the government’s strategy to increase the mining sector’s contribution to economic output and attract foreign investment.

The ministry said transforming the MRMIA into an economic entity under directives from Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has given it greater flexibility to attract investment and implement major projects.

The survey is expected to improve exploration accuracy while reducing risks and costs.

X-Calibur specialises in collecting and analysing geophysical data using digital systems and artificial intelligence and has completed more than 1,400 projects worldwide for governments and mining authorities, the ministry said.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser