Arab Finance: Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi held meetings with leaders from Saudi Arabia and Congo on the sidelines of the Egypt Mining Forum 2026 to discuss expanding cooperation in the mining sector.

In his meeting with Saudi Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mining Affairs Khalid bin Saleh Al Mudaifer, Badawi highlighted the potential to deepen mining cooperation, particularly given the two countries’ shared geological characteristics within the Arabian-Nubian Shield.

Al Mudaifer lauded the government’s efforts over the past two years to develop its mining sector, particularly by strengthening its institutional framework and transforming the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority (EMRA) into an economic authority. These measures would enhance the authority’s ability to manage mineral resources and maximize their economic returns, he added.

Both sides agreed to expand cooperation in human capital development through joint training programs and meetings, expertise exchange, and the sharing of advanced mining practices to strengthen national capabilities and support the sector’s development in both countries.

In a separate meeting with Congo’s Minister of Mines Louis Watum Kabamba, Badawi discussed ways to enhance mining cooperation and develop new partnerships aimed at optimizing the utilization of mineral resources and maximizing their added value and economic returns.

Badawi said mining development extends beyond exploration and extraction to encompass an integrated ecosystem involving infrastructure, energy, construction, engineering services, manufacturing, and access to markets and productive sectors.