Minister of Industry Khaled Hashem said Egypt is working to increase the value of its mineral resources by expanding local processing and linking the mining sector more closely to industry.
Hashem made the remarks on Tuesday during a panel discussion titled “Aligning Mineral Resource Development with Industrial Growth” held on the sidelines of the 5th Egypt Mining Forum.
He noted that Egypt has taken serious steps in recent years to develop mining and mineral-based industries, particularly with the launch of the Egyptian Industrial Strategy, which identifies key minerals as strategic industries.
“The government is currently assessing minerals extracted in Egypt to determine their potential for local processing and improve mineral value chains. The aim is to increase the added value of Egyptian minerals and turn them into raw materials for industry,” Hashem said.
He added that the government seeks to develop integrated mining value chains covering extraction, processing, refining and mineral-based manufacturing, thereby supporting higher-value industries.
He said Egypt is also working to reduce raw phosphate exports by prioritising local processing and higher-value industries, including phosphoric acid and phosphate fertiliser production.
Egypt is also processing manganese ore locally. Hashem said two companies are working with the government this year to process the ore, increase its concentration, boost exports, create jobs and strengthen local supply chains.
On African co-operation, Hashem said intra-African trade stands at about $220 billion. He called for greater integration in mining through co-operation in training, expertise, technology, mineral resources and manufacturing capabilities.
He said the Africa-Alamein Forum, to be hosted by Egypt early next month, would highlight these efforts.
