Arab Finance: Global gold mining company AngloGold Ashanti plans to resume exploration at the Nugrus and Najd blocks in Egypt’s Eastern Desert during the third quarter (Q3) of 2026, following a suspension triggered by an incident in March, as per the company's H1 2026 Exploration Report.

The report showed that desktop and technical field reviews were completed at four prospects: Wadi Alam, Wadi Khariga, Abu Fanani, and Kab Alabyad. AngloGold Ashanti is also continuing its assessment of the Little Sukari project.

Elsewhere in Egypt, the company maintained exploration work at the Sukari gold mine during the period. It completed 20 kilometers of drilling, focusing underground resource development work on the Horus orebody and the southern extension of Osiris. Surface drilling at the Amun South target began in mid-June.

AngloGold Ashanti expanded its presence in Egypt after completing its acquisition of Centamin plc on November 22, 2024. The transaction, initially valued at $2.5 billion, added Centamin’s 50% interest in Sukari and its Eastern Desert exploration licenses to the company’s portfolio. The remaining 50% interest in Sukari is held by Egypt’s Mineral Resources and Mining Industries Authority (MRMIA).

The government is seeking to attract further investment beyond Sukari by making additional gold exploration areas available through an open licensing system that allows companies to submit applications continuously.

UK-listed mining services firm Capital Limited is reportedly seeking nine gold exploration blocks under the new framework. The company already operates in Egypt as a drilling and mining contractor, including at Sukari.