First Aerial Survey in 40 Years to Map Egypt’s Mineral Resources
The project marks the first comprehensive aerial geophysical survey of Egypt in 40 years.
A comprehensive aerial geophysical survey covering all of Egypt has been approved for the first time in 40 years to improve the accuracy of mineral exploration.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources said the Mineral Resources and Mining Industries Authority will contract international geophysical services company X-Calibur to carry out the nationwide survey across six geographic regions using specialised aircraft and advanced exploration technologies.
The project will also involve aircraft operated by the state-run Nuclear Materials Authority alongside services provided by Drone Tech, an Egyptian company specialising in unmanned aerial systems.
Authorities stated that the survey is intended to produce more precise geological data to guide mineral exploration, reduce exploration risks, and lower costs associated with prospecting.
The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to develop the mining sector and increase its contribution to Egypt’s gross domestic product. Modern digital systems and artificial intelligence tools will be used to analyse the collected data and produce detailed geological maps.
The ministry said these maps will support exploration activities and help identify areas suitable for investment by providing scientifically grounded information to investors.
Egypt holds reserves of several minerals including gold, copper, silver, zinc, platinum, iron and phosphate, alongside other precious and base metals. Accurate geological mapping plays a key role in attracting mining investment.
The results of the survey will be held by the Mineral Resources Authority and used to support future international exploration tenders by identifying project boundaries, mineral types and potential extraction zones.
