Tuesday, 15 July 2025
Wednesday, 16 July 2025
10:00 - 10:05
OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY
10:05 - 10:20
MINISTERIAL KEYNOTE SPEECH
Why Egypt, Why Now: Pioneering the Future of Mineral Exploration Investments
With rich yet underexplored geology, investment-friendly policies, and strategic infrastructure, Egypt is rapidly emerging as a top destination for mineral exploration, with the ambition to become a regional hub for raw material extraction and processing. The government aims to increase the mining sector’s contribution to 6% of GDP, making it a key pillar of economic growth. One of the biggest challenges Egypt faced in the past was complex regulations and lengthy licensing procedures, which deterred foreign investment. To address this, the government has introduced a series of reforms to make the sector more attractive. Key regulatory reforms, including the Model Mining Exploitation Agreement (MMEA) and the launch of the Mining Investment Portal, have improved licensing transparency, fiscal incentives, and ease of doing business. With a stable regulatory environment, competitive fiscal terms, and increasing exploration activity, Egypt is positioning itself as an attractive and globally competitive mining investment destination.
Attendee Insights:
This keynote speech will provide a comprehensive update on the current landscape of Egypt’s mining sector, highlighting key reforms, emerging opportunities, and competitive advantages that position the country as a prime destination for global investors and junior exploration companies.
10:20 - 10:30
KEYNOTE SPEECH
Shaping Egypt as a World-Class Mining Destination
AngloGold Ashanti’s recent acquisition of Centamin marks a historic milestone for Egypt’s mining sector, signalling growing international confidence in the country’s geological potential, regulatory reform, and long-term investment opportunities. As one of the world’s largest gold producers, AngloGold Ashanti expands its footprint across Africa and is set to take on a leading role in shaping Egypt into a regional mining hub. For over a decade, the Sukari mine has stood as a testament to Egypt’s capability to host a world-class mining sector, producing over five million ounces of gold since 2010, employing a 97% Egyptian workforce, and contributing nearly US$1 billion to the country’s economy through royalties and profit share. But Egypt’s promise extends far beyond Sukari. The Eastern Desert remains largely underexplored by modern standards, and AngloGold Ashanti’s global expertise brings the technical depth and long-term commitment needed to unlock the region’s full geological potential.
Attendee Insights:
This keynote will outline AngloGold Ashanti’s commitment and future plans to support the growth and development of Egypt’s mining sector.
10:30 - 11:15
LEADERSHIP PANEL DISCUSSION
Attracting Strategic Partners and Junior Exploration Companies to Drive Long-Term Mining Growth
Finding a mineral deposit and developing it into a commercial mine is a long, costly and complex process that can take several years. Considered a high-risk industry with many unique characteristics, governments have an important role to play in the development of the mineral resources of their countries, as well as attracting long-term strategic partners to create a thriving sector. For any country to develop its exploration sector, clarity around regulations and security of tenure is fundamental, as international investors seek clear and transparent guidelines for exploiting commercially viable mineral resources before committing to investments. Governments can support this process by establishing clear legal frameworks, ensuring political stability, providing comprehensive geological data, and promoting environmentally responsible practices. To ensure continued investment, embracing low carbon operations and actively reducing waste and emissions will not only attract strategic partners but also ensure a sustainable and competitive mining industry.
Attendee Insights
A vital ministerial panel which discusses the role of governments in attracting strategic partners and junior exploration companies to drive long-term growth.
Speakers
11:15 - 12:15
EXHIBITION INAUGURATION
13:30 - 14:10
PANEL DISCUSSION
How Egypt’s New Model Mining Exploitation Agreement Can Build an Investor-Friendly Sector
The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources recently signed a framework agreement to implement the Model Mining Exploitation Agreement (MMEA), reinforcing Egypt’s commitment to creating a transparent, investor-friendly mining sector. The MMEA establishes a clear framework to govern both exploration and exploitation phases, designed to simplify licensing, improve transparency, and provide balanced fiscal terms for investors. This agreement sets the foundation for long-term partnerships, ensuring an equitable economic outcome between the state and industry while aligning Egypt’s regulatory framework with international best practices to attract global mining investment. With this framework in place, Egypt is unlocking its full mineral potential, expanding opportunities in its exploration sector, creating an environment where foreign and domestic investors can operate with confidence, security, and long-term growth prospects.
Attendee Insights
This discussion will provide insights into how the MMEA is putting Egypt’s mining industry on the international map, what investors should know, and what the future holds for the sector.
Speakers
14:10 - 14:50
PANEL DISCUSSION
Beyond Gold: Critical Minerals and Base Metals in the Arabian Nubian Shield
The Arabian Nubian Shield is one of the world’s oldest and geologically rich regions, stretching across Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. For decades, gold has been the primary focus of exploration projects in the Arabian Nubian Shield, while the region has produced world class gold mines, its broader mineral wealth remains largely underexplored and untapped. Today, sourcing critical minerals and base metals is essential not only for national security but also to meet the rising global demand for a low-carbon future. In response to this growing demand, the Arabian Nubian Shield is being recognised as an important source of minerals beyond gold, including copper, zinc, rare earth elements, and phosphate. Through regional collaboration, countries in the Arabian Nubian Shield can develop diverse and secure mineral supply chains, supporting a sustainable future, and creating an environment for investment into the region.
Attendee Insights
This panel will explore how the Arabian Nubian Shield, long recognised for its gold deposits, can become a key supplier of critical minerals and base metals to support the growing global demand.
Speakers
14:50 - 15:30
PANEL DISCUSSION
Global Commodities Outlook: Supply, Demand, and Price Forecasts
The mining industry is at the centre of global commodity markets, supplying the raw materials essential for national security, economic and industrial growth, infrastructure development, and the low carbon future. However, shifting macroeconomic conditions, geopolitical uncertainties, and technological advancements are reshaping supply-demand dynamics for key mined commodities, such as copper, lithium, nickel, and rare earth elements, impacting prices and investment strategies. Meanwhile, traditional commodities like gold, silver, and base metals continue to serve as safe-haven investments and industrial essentials. The challenge for the mining industry is to balance production with shifting global trends, navigate supply chain constraints, and anticipate market trends that will impact project viability and long-term investment.
Attendee Insights
This discussion will explore how economic trends and competitiveness, regulatory changes, and geopolitical events are shaping the future of mining, the role of exploration in securing supply, and what the industry needs to know to adapt to changing market dynamics.
Speakers
15:30 - 16:10
PANEL DISCUSSION
Risk, Reward, and Reality: How Mining Companies and Investors Evaluate Global Opportunities
Junior, mid-tier, and major mining companies, led by their boards and management teams, are constantly seeking new investment destinations where they can apply their skills, expertise, and resources to create financial rewards through mineral exploration and extraction. Major firms and institutional investors assess each jurisdiction based on a combination of factors including its geological potential, regulatory clarity, political environment, and financial stability. While some jurisdictions offer rich geological potential, they may also come with regulatory, geopolitical, or financial risks. On the other hand, many locations may offer better stability but may be less resource rich. Mining is an inherently high-risk and highly competitive industry, with countries actively competing to attract investment from global mining firms. While no country is entirely risk-free, those that implement investor-friendly policies, ensure regulatory transparency, maintain political stability, and invest in infrastructure can reduce risks, enhance their appeal, and secure a larger share of global mining capital.
Attendee Insights
This panel discussion explores how junior, mid-tier, and major mining companies, investors and analysts assess new markets, and the key factors driving decision-making.
Speakers
10:00 - 10:45
PANEL DISCUSSION
Managing Exploration Risks and Unlocking Resource Potential
Junior mining companies take on speculative investments in early-stage exploration, knowing that many projects will not lead to success. However, when they do succeed, the potential rewards can be substantial, leading to commercial discoveries that significantly increase the value of their assets, attract larger investors or major mining companies for partnerships or acquisitions, and ultimately generate high returns on investment. Many projects fail to advance beyond early drilling, often due to poor resource quality, lack of funding, or unexpected geological challenges. Managing these risks effectively can mean the difference between securing investment and advancing a project or facing financial setbacks and project abandonment.
Attendee Insights
This discussion will provide actionable insights on managing exploration risks, securing financing, and applying best practices to maximise resource potential.
Speakers
10:45 - 11:30
PANEL DISCUSSION
Strategic Pathways to Mineral Discovery and Development in Egypt’s Eastern Desert
The Eastern Desert of Egypt, forming a significant part of the Arabian-Nubian Shield, remains one of the most geologically promising yet underexplored regions in the world. Its rich geology includes structurally controlled gold deposits, volcanic-associated base metals, and rare earth elements. While the mineral potential is evident, significant exploration challenges persist. The harsh desert environment, particularly the limited availability of water needed for advanced techniques such as drilling, can impede progress. However, the realisation of this promise requires more than mineral wealth alone. Recent reforms in Egypt’s mining sector have signalled a shift towards a more competitive and transparent framework, laying the groundwork for increased investment and long-term development.
Attendee Insights
This panel brings together country managers from leading exploration companies operating in Egypt to discuss the Eastern Desert’s potential, not only from a geological perspective but also through the lens of infrastructure, regulatory policy, and investment strategy.
Speakers
11:30 - 12:15
PANEL DISCUSSION
From Extraction to Industry: Advancing Competitive Refining and Downstream Mineral Sectors
Mineral resources have long been a cornerstone of economic growth and industrial development worldwide. While exploration and mining forms the first link in the value chain, true economic transformation takes place when countries and companies invest in refining and downstream processing. Historically, many resource-rich regions have focused primarily on exporting raw minerals, whether it’s gold, copper, rare earths, or critical minerals, missing out on the potential to retain more value locally. In recent years, there has been a growing push toward developing domestic refining and processing capacity to create higher-value products, strengthen local industrial sectors, and reduce reliance on imported materials. With global economies shifting toward supply chain localisation and manufacturing self-sufficiency, mineral-rich countries are uniquely positioned to support key industries such as automotive, electronics, fertilizers, cement, and clean energy by supplying reliable, locally processed raw materials.
Attendee Insights
This panel will discuss how mineral-producing countries can maximize the value of their resources through strategic refining and downstream integration, while boosting local industries.
12:15 - 13:30
LUNCH, EXHIBITION AND NETWORKING
13:30 - 14:15
PANEL DISCUSSION
Increasing Transparency and Accessibility for Investors Through Egypt’s Mining Portal
Following plans to transform EMRA into an economic body, Egypt is launching a dedicated investment portal that will reshape its mining industry in line with a modernised mining code. This initiative represents a major step toward creating an investment-friendly sector, offering greater transparency, accessibility, and efficiency for potential investors. The portal is designed to facilitate investment opportunities for companies interested in Egypt’s exploration sector, while also promoting the country’s mining industry globally and providing updates on upcoming bid rounds. Serving as a centralised hub, the platform will connect stakeholders, enhance transparency, and streamline investment processes. It will enable the government to provide real-time geological data, making it easier for investors to access licensing opportunities for exploration, understand regulatory frameworks, and obtain key resource information needed to make informed investment decisions and accelerate exploration projects.
Attendee Insights
This session will introduce the features, benefits, and strategic importance of Egypt’s Investment Portal, demonstrating how it increases transparency and improves licensing efficiency.
Speakers
14:15 - 14:45
FIRESIDE CHAT
Assessing Progress and Mapping the Future of Egypt’s Mining Sector
After one year in office, HE Eng Karim Badawi, Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, has led significant advancements in Egypt’s mining sector, notably finalising the Model Mining Exploitation Agreement, alongside industry partners Barrick Gold Corporation and AngloGold Ashanti. This framework is designed to unlock Egypt’s rich mineral resources, modernise the mining sector and position the country prominently on the global investment map. Moving forward, the continued implementation of investor-friendly policies, together with investments in people and talent development, will be essential for fully realising the sector’s economic potential and achieving a mining contribution of 6% to Egypt’s GDP. As these reforms gain momentum, what new mining concessions and bid rounds can investors anticipate in the coming months?
Attendee Insights
This fireside chat with HE Eng Karim Badawi will offer an exclusive look into Egypt’s mining roadmap, reviewing progress achieved since his appointment, and the government’s long-term vision for sector growth.