Australian mining company Hunter & Co. has announced plans to launch investment projects and form strategic partnerships in Egypt’s mining sector, the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources said on Sunday.
The decision follows a meeting between Egyptian Petroleum Minister Karim Badawi and a delegation from the Australian firm, including Chairperson Ian Courtlang and Regional Head for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa Francois van Schalkwyk. Discussions focused on recent legislative reforms and financial incentives designed to improve Egypt’s investment climate and attract international mining companies.
Minister Badawi described Hunter & Co.’s interest as a key outcome of his November visit to Perth, Australia, where he promoted Egypt as a competitive destination for Australian mining firms. “The country’s new regulatory framework and investment incentives have strengthened Egypt’s position as a regional hub for mining activities,” he said.
Representatives of Hunter & Co. praised the reforms, saying they have addressed historical barriers and streamlined administrative procedures, providing a transparent foundation for their investment. The company intends to focus on mineral exploration and the extraction of critical minerals essential for the energy sector.
In addition to extraction, Hunter & Co. plans to establish industries that add value to raw ores through the application of advanced technologies. The company also aims to support local capacity-building through technical training programmes for Egyptian engineers and geologists, facilitating knowledge transfer and aligning domestic expertise with international practices.
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As part of the current visit, the Australian delegation requested site inspections of potential mining projects and meetings with existing industry players in Egypt. Both sides agreed to coordinate with the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority (EMRA) to develop an executive framework and finalise the necessary steps for the company’s formal entry into the Egyptian market.
The investment aligns with Egypt’s broader strategy to attract foreign capital to its mining sector, particularly in areas of strategic importance such as critical minerals for energy and industrial applications. Authorities have recently implemented reforms intended to increase transparency, reduce bureaucratic delays, and offer fiscal incentives for exploration, development, and value-added mineral processing.
Analysts said Hunter & Co.’s planned entry could signal growing international confidence in Egypt’s mining sector, particularly among investors from resource-rich countries such as Australia. “Egypt is positioning itself as a competitive destination for global mining investment,” said one regional analyst. “Legislative reform and fiscal clarity are key to attracting projects that can bring technology, know-how, and long-term value to the domestic market.”
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The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources has emphasised that the government will continue to support private and foreign investment while maintaining environmental standards and sustainable development practices. Officials said cooperation with international firms is expected to contribute to local employment, technology transfer, and downstream industrial development.
Hunter & Co.’s interest also reflects a global push to secure access to critical minerals, which are increasingly important for renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles, and industrial applications. Egypt, with its geological diversity and recent policy reforms, aims to capture a larger share of the regional and global mining investment landscape.
Both parties have committed to maintaining dialogue in the coming months to finalise investment agreements and define operational timelines. The company’s formal entry into the Egyptian market will mark a significant step in expanding the country’s mining sector and attracting international expertise.
