Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Engineer Karim Badawi has reaffirmed that developing human capital, improving employees’ working conditions and creating a motivating work environment are among the ministry’s top priorities.
He also stressed the need to maximise the value added from mineral resources through local processing and manufacturing rather than exporting raw materials.
Speaking at an extensive meeting with staff of the Mineral Resources and Mining Industries Authority at its headquarters, Minister Badawi said the government aims to raise mining’s contribution to GDP to approximately 6%, compared with less than 1% currently, by expanding exploration, downstream industries and domestic production.
The meeting, attended by Authority Chairman Amr Ismail El-Sharkawy, Head of the Ministry’s Central Department for Geological Research and Information Yasser Ramadan, board members and senior officials, reviewed sector developments and priorities for the coming period.
The minister praised employees’ efforts, describing human capital as the sector’s greatest asset.
He also commended Geologist Ramadan’s contributions to institutional, legislative and organisational development, stressing the importance of building on these achievements under the new leadership.
He said the authority is being transformed into an economic entity under the Mineral Resources Law and its executive regulations, with updated internal regulations, in coordination with the Ministry of Finance, to improve efficiency and employee conditions.
Badawi highlighted the decision to halt raw phosphate exports, growing investor interest under the open-area licensing system, and the Egypt Mining Forum, held under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s patronage, as evidence of the state’s commitment to developing the sector.
He also praised the Armed Forces’ efforts to combat illegal mining in southern Egypt and protect national resources.
