Egypt to set up state-backed company to licence artisanal gold miners

Egypt's Future of Egypt Authority is set to establish a state-backed company to license artisanal gold miners and release those imprisoned for illegal mining activities. This move comes following a meeting convened by tribal leader and business mogul Ibrahim al-Organi. According to Mona Shaker, a lawmaker from Aswan representing the National Front party, individuals arrested while prospecting will be freed, but not those involved in killings or drug offenses.

The military has reported detaining 151 Egyptians and 540 foreigners in its crackdown on illegal mining since June, though it remains unclear how many are still in custody. While Pro-government media claimed that President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi directed the meeting, no official statement has been released. Egypt's military has been the primary response to illegal mining, viewing it as a major obstacle for investors.

Illegal miners have, at times, violently obstructed access to exploration concessions. The military reported the deaths of two officers during the campaign and blamed Egypt's air force for the airstrike that killed at least 72 miners in northern Sudan in October, an allegation the military did not refute.