Egypt to Map Mineral Wealth in First Nationwide Airborne Survey in 42 Years

May 25, 2026

Mintesinot Nigussie

Egypt has launched preparations for its first nationwide airborne geophysical mining survey in 42 years. The initiative aims to strengthen mineral exploration data and attract investment into the sector.

The project follows a preliminary agreement signed between the Egyptian Mineral Resources and Mining Industries Authority and Spain’s Xcalibur Smart Mapping, in cooperation with the Nuclear Materials Authority and local firm Drone Tech.

Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Karim Badawi said the survey would generate a modern, high-precision database of Egypt’s mineral resources. It is the country’s first comprehensive airborne mining survey in more than four decades.

The project will cover six areas including the Eastern Desert, Sinai, Western Desert, and Bahariya Oasis. It will use advanced aircraft and geophysical systems to reduce exploration costs and risks for investors.

The minister linked the project to recent institutional reforms, noting that restructuring the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority into an independent entity has facilitated its launch.

This nationwide survey is expected to play a key role in unlocking Egypt’s untapped mineral potential and boosting investment in the mining sector.