Egypt is betting big on gold. The Ministry of Mineral Resources unveiled its new Digital Mining Platform, a tool designed to cut red tape, modernize licensing, and attract global investors to its booming mining sector.

The platform is a response to both investor complaints and government goals. By allowing companies to apply for licenses, submit reports, and monitor progress online, Egypt hopes to reduce corruption, speed up approvals, and boost transparency.

In the first nine months of 2024, gold export earnings nearly doubled to $2.17 billion, driven by increased exploration in the Eastern Desert and rising global prices. Officials now want to push Egypt into the top 10 global gold exporters by 2027.

To do that, they’re not just relying on technology. Egypt is also offering new incentives, revising outdated mining laws, and expanding infrastructure to support extraction, transport, and processing. The digital platform is one piece of a larger puzzle.

Industry players have welcomed the move, saying it signals seriousness and efficiency. “This could be the turning point,” said a representative from a Canadian mining firm already operating in the country. If the reforms hold, Egypt’s deserts could soon rival South Africa’s goldfields in output and profitability.