Egyptian Industry Minister Khaled Hisham has emphasized the government's efforts to maximize the value added from the country's mineral wealth and link it to integrated industries. Speaking at the fifth edition of the Egypt Mining Forum, Hisham highlighted that Egypt has taken significant steps in recent years to develop the mining sector, particularly with the launch of the Egyptian industry strategy. This strategy identifies basic minerals as a key sector, with a focus on increasing the value added from Egyptian minerals.
The minister noted that the government is currently studying all minerals extracted in Egypt to assess their potential for manufacturing and improving value chains. This aims to increase the value added from Egyptian minerals and convert them into raw materials that serve the industry sector. Hisham also mentioned that the government is working to develop integrated value chains for the mining sector, linking extraction, processing, refining, and manufacturing based on minerals.
The Egyptian government is targeting the development of integrated value chains for the mining sector, which will help employ mineral resources to support industries with higher value added. This approach will also promote local and regional supply chains, reduce reliance on imported inputs, and create new export opportunities. Hisham stressed that the government is shifting its approach to treating mineral resources not as basic commodities but as raw materials for integrated industries.
To achieve this goal, Egypt has taken steps to limit the export of raw phosphate, prioritizing local manufacturing and higher-value-added industries such as the production of phosphoric acid and phosphate fertilizers. This approach aims to maximize the benefits from Egypt's mineral wealth and create new opportunities for the local industry. The minister also highlighted the importance of cooperation with African countries to achieve integration in the mining sector.
Hisham noted that intra-African trade stands at around $220 billion, a relatively modest figure considering the continent's 54 countries and significant resources. He emphasized the need for African countries to work together in the mining sector, sharing expertise, technology, and mineral resources to produce mineral-based products that serve all African countries. Egypt is set to host the "Africa El Alamein" forum next month, which will focus on this goal.
The minister also highlighted Egypt's efforts to develop its manganese ore resources, a critical input for the iron and steel industries. This includes cooperation with two companies to manufacture the ore locally, aiming to provide high-concentration ore, increase exports, and create new job opportunities. This initiative is part of Egypt's broader strategy to deepen local supply chains and maximize the benefits from its mineral wealth.
The Egypt Mining Forum, which took place recently, brought together ministers and officials from Egypt, Tunisia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to discuss the development of the mining sector in Africa. The forum provided a platform for experts to share experiences and explore opportunities for cooperation and integration in the sector. Key participants included Tunisian Minister of Equipment and Housing, Salah Zwari, and Jethro Chembo, head of the Subcommittee for Foreign Affairs at the Congolese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Key points
- Egypt is working to maximize the value added from its mineral wealth and link it to integrated industries.
- The government is targeting the development of integrated value chains for the mining sector to support industries with higher value added.
- Egypt is promoting cooperation with African countries to achieve integration in the mining sector and maximize the benefits from its mineral wealth.
