The project will generate high-resolution geological intelligence to accelerate mineral exploration, reduce investment risk and modernize Egypt’s mining sector

Powered by airborne geophysics, AI and advanced geospatial technologies, the initiative positions Egypt at the forefront of next-generation resource intelligence and Earth Digital Twins

Egypt has officially launched its first nationwide airborne geophysical mineral survey in more than four decades through a landmark agreement with Xcalibur Smart Mapping, a global leader in airborne geophysics and Earth Intelligence.

The project, approved by the Egyptian Cabinet and led by the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources together with the Egyptian Mineral Resources and Mining Industries Authority, will cover six strategically significant regions across the country, including the Eastern Desert, Sinai and the Western Desert.

Using advanced airborne geophysical technologies, artificial intelligence and multi-source geospatial data integration systems, the initiative will provide Egypt with a new generation of high-resolution geological and mineral intelligence designed to support exploration, investment and long-term resource management.

The project aims to identify promising mineral-rich areas, reduce exploration risks and costs, and strengthen Egypt’s attractiveness for domestic and international mining investment. The initiative also represents a major step towards the development of a national-scale digital twin of Egypt’s subsurface resources: a dynamic and data-driven representation of the territory designed to support strategic planning and sustainable development.

The survey will be carried out in collaboration with Egyptian national institutions, including the Nuclear Materials Authority and DroneTech, combining international expertise with local scientific and operational capabilities.

The contract was signed at Marsa Alam Airport in the presence of a specialized survey aircraft equipped with advanced airborne geophysical technologies ahead of the start of operations.

Engineer Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, highlighted the strategic relevance of the initiative:

“This project represents the first comprehensive airborne mineral survey conducted in Egypt in 42 years and marks a major milestone for the modernization of our mining sector.” “The new geological database will help reduce exploration risks and create more attractive investment opportunities for national and international mining companies.”

The Minister also emphasized that the transformation of the Egyptian Mineral Resources and Mining Industries Authority into an independent economic entity has enabled the implementation of major national mining initiatives aligned with Egypt’s long-term economic development strategy.

Geologist Yasser Ramadan, Chairman of the Egyptian Mineral Resources and Mining Industries Authority, explained that the survey will cover six key geographical regions across Egypt and will rely on advanced technologies and international expertise combined with the capabilities of Egyptian scientific institutions.

“The project will provide highly accurate geophysical data to support mineral exploration and long-term sector development.”

“Collaboration between international expertise and Egyptian scientific institutions will maximize the quality and impact of the project’s results.”

The initiative comes at a time of growing international focus on critical raw materials, energy transition and supply chain resilience, positioning Egypt as an emerging strategic player within the global mining landscape.

Víctor González, Vice President of Business Development at Xcalibur Smart Mapping, stated:

“This project demonstrates how airborne geophysics, AI and Earth Intelligence can help governments build a smarter and more sustainable understanding of their natural resources.”

Juan Francisco Muñoz Martínez, Head of Strategy & Corporate Services at Xcalibur Smart Mapping, added:

“The future of resource management lies in Earth Digital Twins: dynamic geospatial systems capable of transforming geological data into strategic knowledge for governments and industries.”

“Egypt is taking an important step towards a new generation of data-driven resource management.”