Egypt & Xcalibur Sign Agreement to Map Minerals Nationwide

Egypt is preparing to launch a nationwide geophysical aerial survey to map mineral resources across all governorates, following a memorandum of understanding signed with Spain’s Xcalibur Smart Mapping. The agreement was finalised during a visit by Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi to the company’s operational base at Jandakot Airport in Western Australia. It was signed by Yasser Ramadan, chairman of the Mineral Wealth and Mining Industries Authority, and Xcalibur CEO Bart Anderson. According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, the memorandum includes the exchange of scientific, technical and academic documents related to geology and mining. It also outlines cooperation on evaluation programmes, research activities and risk assessments in mineral exploration. In a statement, the ministry described the aerial survey as a national initiative designed to build a modern, detailed geological database using aircraft and satellite-based systems. The survey will be carried out in six designated research areas: the Eastern Desert, Western Desert, Sinai, the Marine Oasis and Abu Tartour. The first phase involves integrating historical geological records with new satellite imagery on a digital platform. This will be followed by magnetic aerial surveys and targeted assessments in locations identified as having strong mining potential. The ministry also announced an incentive package aimed at attracting Australian small and medium-sized mining companies and start-ups to invest in Egypt’s exploration sector. The package includes reduced rental rates for exploration contracts, tax and customs exemptions on exploration equipment, a unified licence covering multiple minerals and the introduction of reconnaissance licences for emerging firms. A one-stop-shop mechanism is also being set up through the Mineral Resources and Mining Industries Authority to streamline permit procedures.