Egypt has launched a fourth phase of military operations against illegal gold mining in the Eastern Desert after authorities detained 691 people during earlier stages of the campaign.
The latest phase began on 7 November and covers mining areas near Egypt’s southern border with Sudan.
The Egyptian military says 151 Egyptian and 540 foreign nationals were detained during three operations conducted between 14 June and 29 October. A further 6,614 people surrendered before the operations began.
Two Egyptian military officers have been killed during the campaign, as previously reported.
Authorities also seized 317 vehicles, 73 metal detectors, generators, mining and demolition equipment, weapons, and fuel supplies. The Egyptian Government has not disclosed the quantity or value of any gold recovered.
The military says the campaign targets unauthorised mining networks linked to mineral smuggling, weapons trafficking, and other cross-border activity. The legal status of those detained has not been detailed publicly.
Exploration blocks remain open
The enforcement campaign in Egypt is running alongside a separate effort to attract licensed mining investment.
The country introduced an open-area licensing system in June, allowing companies to apply for exploration blocks throughout the year. A 30-day bidding process begins when the government receives the first compliant application for an area.
Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources says 119 companies submitted applications during the system’s first three months. Authorities received 403 bids covering 118 of the 335 available blocks.
The blocks span approximately 45,000km² and are prospective for gold, phosphate, talc, kaolin, and other minerals.
The military says an earlier phase helped secure concessions so licensed operators could resume work. However, no new concession or investment commitment accompanied the latest phase.
Former ministry official Hassan Bakhit told Forbes Middle East that enforcement could be complemented by formal small-scale mining licences, training, and environmental safeguards.
Write to France Pinzon at Mining.com.au
Main image: Unsplash
