Egypt eyes establishing new gold extraction plant in Eastern Desert

The plant would use the carbon-in-leach (CIL) process to treat gold-bearing rocks. 

Egypt initiated experimental production at the Iqat gold mine in the Eastern Desert, located in the southern part of the country, in 2023.

The announcement followed a meeting between Petroleum Minister Karim Badawi and company officials to review development plans and future expansions at the concession site.

During the meeting, the company presented updates on projects aimed at placing the mine on the global gold production map, including plans for new power generation and water facilities, supported by Australian expertise.

Minister Badawi expressed his full support for the company’s efforts to speed up production, in coordination with the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority and the wider mining sector.

The news followed the Africa Down Under (ADU) Mining and Energy Conference in Perth, Australia, the largest African mining event held outside the continent, which concluded on Friday.