Egypt launches aerial survey for gold, copper and other minerals

Egypt plans to conduct its first nationwide aerial geological survey in more than 40 years to identify gold, copper and other mineral reserves as it seeks to attract foreign mining investment.

Spain’s Xcalibur Smart Mapping will work with Egypt’s Nuclear Materials Authority to carry out the project.

Energy Minister Karim Badawi said the survey will cover areas including Egypt’s Eastern and Western deserts and the Sinai Peninsula.

The aim is to create a “modern, highly accurate mining database” to help investors identify commercially viable mineral deposits faster and with lower exploration risk, he said.