en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Mineral Resources and Mining Industry Authority (MRMIA) of Egypt has launched an open block system, allowing investors to apply for mineral exploration blocks at any time, replacing the previous fixed-round licensing system.

This system enables investors to apply for exploration blocks without waiting for periodic licensing rounds, aiming to streamline the licensing process, enhance transparency, and accelerate exploration investment into Egypt's mining sector. The first phase of the system was launched on June 10, opening a predefined set of exploration areas for application, with subsequent phases gradually releasing more blocks.

Under this framework, investors can bid on designated exploration blocks covering gold and associated minerals, as well as certain industrial and bulk minerals. Applications will be evaluated through a standardized process based on technical and commercial criteria. Priority will be given to proposals that include value-added components such as downstream processing and beneficiation, in line with Egypt's strategy to increase local value creation from natural resources.

MRMIA has mapped the distribution of the first batch of open exploration blocks across its major mineral provinces. Gold and associated minerals are concentrated in the Arabian-Nubian Shield spanning the Eastern Desert, extending along the Red Sea corridor to Hurghada, Safaga, El Quseir, Marsa Alam, and Berenice. Phosphate blocks are located along the Red Sea coast between Safaga and El Quseir, with additional deposits at Hamrawein, the Nile Valley, and Abu Tartur in the New Valley Governorate. Industrial mineral concessions include talc near Marsa Alam and kaolin in central-western Sinai near Abu Zenima and the Wadi Kalabsha area southwest of Aswan.

Egypt continues to push for the modernization of its mining sector as it seeks to diversify its resource base, reduce dependence on oil and gas, and increase the sector's contribution to economic output. If effectively implemented, the system will help support increased exploration activity in underdeveloped mineral regions and consolidate Egypt's position as an emerging mining investment destination in Africa.

This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com