Egypt's participation aimed to promote its new investment climate in the mining sector to attract Australian companies by highlighting updated investment regulations, simplified licensing procedures, and the enhanced role of the Mineral Resources Authority.
Before concluding his visit, Badawi held intensive
discussions with investors, capping off a series of meetings with nine Australian
mining companies. He also participated in two main sessions to present the
developments in Egypt's investment climate and promising opportunities for
exploring mining resources.
Badawi opened a roundtable titled "Invest in
Egypt" in collaboration with AGA and Capital Drilling, where he affirmed
the government's commitment to creating an attractive investment environment
through legislative and regulatory reforms aligned with global best practices.
The Minister encouraged emerging and medium-sized mining
companies to provide input on legislative development, noting that they
represent the largest segment of the sector. He also emphasized the state's
commitment to cooperating with the private sector and removing obstacles for
investors to cement Egypt's position as a trusted investment destination.
Yasser Ramadan, head of the Mineral Resources and Mining
Industries Authority, presented investment opportunities for exploration,
highlighting a strong infrastructure, modern legislation, simplified licensing,
and government incentives.
During the conference, Badawi met with Sherine Helmy, CEO of
Al-Tharawat wa Al-Mawarid for Mining, the operator of the Iqat gold mine. They
discussed the company's plans for expansion in the Iqat concession area,
including studies to build a carbon extraction plant and power and water
stations.
Badawi praised the company as an Egyptian investor and
pledged his full support to overcome challenges and help the Iqat mine become a
global gold producer.
The Minister also met with Geoff Quartermaine, CEO of
Perseus Mining, an Australian gold company with operations in West Africa. They
discussed sharing expertise in modern mining practices, such as advanced
drilling techniques, enhanced processing, and data-driven mine planning. Badawi
invited the company to visit Egypt and explore investment opportunities.
In a meeting with the global head of natural resources and
energy at BDO, one of Australia's largest accounting and consulting firms,
Badawi explored collaboration on feasibility studies, consulting, and financing
for energy and mining projects in Egypt. Both sides discussed attracting
investors, especially startups, and agreed that the BDO official would soon
visit Egypt with a delegation of Australian mining executives.
Badawi also met with Greg Roger, general manager of Geodrill, a mining drilling company operating in Egypt. Roger praised the rapid developments in Egypt's mining sector and investment climate, affirming that the country's potential and infrastructure make it a preferred destination for global mining investors.