Egypt’s 2024 mineral bid round concluded with four companies winning exploration rights for glass and kaolin sand in the Eastern Desert. The winners include AMC, Sibelco Egypt, Pacific Mining, and Income. These resources are crucial for glass, ceramics, and industrial applications, supporting Egypt’s push to expand its mining sector.
Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources has successfully concluded Mineral Resources Bid Round No. 1 for 2024, with four companies securing exploration rights for glass sand and kaolin sand deposits in the Eastern Desert. The competitive round drew interest from 20 mining companies and 19 private-sector firms, highlighting growing investor confidence in Egypt’s mineral wealth.
The winning companies announced by the Ministry include Alarabiya Mining Company (AMC), Sibelco Egypt Industrial Minerals, Pacific Mining, and the International Company for Petroleum and Industrial Services (Income).
Alarabiya Mining Company (AMC) secured the exploration license for Sector No. (GS 1), designated for glass sand ore. Meanwhile, Sibelco Egypt Industrial Minerals won rights for Sectors No. (GS 3) and (GS 4), also targeting glass sand ore. In the kaolin category, Pacific Mining was awarded Sector No. (KS 1), while the International Company for Petroleum and Industrial Services (Income) was granted exploration licenses for Sectors No. (KS 2) and (KS 3).
Glass sand, often referred to as silica sand or industrial sand, consists primarily of silicon dioxide. Its high purity and low levels of iron oxide and other contaminants make it essential for manufacturing high-quality glass products, including flat glass, container glass, and specialty glass. The demand for such materials is expected to grow in tandem with industrial and construction sector expansions, both domestically and globally.
Kaolin sand, or kaolinite, is a clay mineral prized for its fine texture and white color. It has wide-ranging applications, especially in the paper industry as a coating and filler, and is also a critical component in the manufacture of ceramics, paints, rubber, and plastics. Its versatility makes it a valuable resource for multiple downstream industries.
According to data from the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Egypt’s kaolin ore production reached 230,787 tons between July 2024 and April 2025. This output underlines the country’s potential as a key regional supplier of kaolin, complementing its growing ambition to become a hub for industrial minerals.
The successful bid round is part of Egypt's broader strategy to attract private investment and modernize its mining sector, tapping into untapped mineral reserves across its Eastern Desert region. By granting exploration licenses to both local and international players, the country aims to enhance resource utilization, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
With this latest development, Egypt continues to solidify its position as an emerging player in the global mining landscape, leveraging its geological assets to fuel industrial development and economic diversification.
