During the meeting, Minister Badawi emphasized the Egyptian
government's dedication to collaborating with strategic partners and fostering
an attractive and stable investment environment. He cited the Sukari Gold Mine
as a successful model of public-private partnership, reaffirming the ministry's
commitment to open communication to overcome challenges and streamline
procedures. This commitment is particularly crucial given recent amendments to
the Mineral Resources Law and new models for gold and mineral exploitation,
which aim to open fresh avenues for investors.
Gillian Doran commended the remarkable development at the
Sukari Gold Mine, noting her recent visit to the site provided firsthand
insight into the quality of operations. She highlighted that 97% of the mine's
workforce comprises highly qualified Egyptian professionals. She also praised
the positive impact of AngloGold Ashanti's acquisition of the mine, stating it
helped the company achieve a leading position in global gold sector performance
indicators, with the Sukari Mine being a "pivotal element" in this
success.
The meeting further explored ways to enhance cooperation with the Egyptian government to expedite the granting of exploitation rights, especially for emerging companies. This initiative aims to expand the mining investment base and boost exploration activities, both in the Sukari region and in new concession areas.