Karim Badawi announced during his meeting with Victor
Gonzalez, Vice President of Spanish company Xcalibur, that Egypt is preparing
to launch its first airborne survey in four decades. The survey aims to provide
accurate data on promising mining opportunities.
The minister said talks focused on potential cooperation in
aerial surveys and the use of advanced technology to generate and process
high-quality data. He stressed that such data is essential to attract
investors. He also highlighted the government’s readiness to facilitate
operations and provide full support, citing Egypt’s strong infrastructure and
logistics.
Karim Badawi emphasized the importance of moving swiftly
toward practical steps in specific areas. He noted that tangible results are
key to encouraging major international companies to invest in Egypt’s mining
sector.
Gonzalez expressed Xcalibur’s strong interest in cooperating
with Egypt. He said the company is already a strategic partner to several
governments, as well as mining and energy companies in Saudi Arabia, Nigeria,
and other countries. He pointed to Xcalibur’s advanced mapping technologies,
which allow nationwide surveys to be completed rapidly. This approach, he
added, reduces investment risks by providing reliable, high-quality data.
The two sides agreed to continue coordination through the
Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority (EMRA) to review upcoming proposals.
The meeting was attended by Yasser Ramadan, Chairman of
EMRA, and Dr. Mohamed El-Bagoury, Head of the Central Legal Affairs Department
at the ministry.