The Ministry of Public Enterprises announced on Thursday the resumption of operations at the ferrosilicon plant operated by the Egyptian Chemical Industries Company (KIMA) in Aswan, following a five-year hiatus. The move is part of the government's broader strategy to revitalise domestic manufacturing, reduce reliance on imports, and optimise returns on idle state assets, the ministry further explained in a statement. The plant, which had been out of service for nearly five years, was rehabilitated in partnership with the Egyptian Ferroalloys Company—a subsidiary of the Metallurgical Industries Holding Company—at a total cost of around 53 million Egyptian pounds ($1.036 million). Public Enterprises Minister Mohamed El-Shimy said the restart aligns with the government's industrial development strategy, which includes revitalising underutilised assets, increasing production, and promoting value-added use of local raw materials. "This project is a step forward in enhancing Egypt's mining and transformation industries, particularly in replacing imports of silico-manganese alloys essential for steel manufacturing," Minister El-Shimy said. As part of the relaunch, KIMA earlier signed a deal with True East Mining Company, an Egyptian firm with Saudi investment, to operate the facility. The plant is expected to produce 18,000 tons of silico-manganese annually and generate approximately $1.8 million in annual revenues for KIMA from production and byproducts. Minister El-Shimy added that the initiative reflects the ministry's commitment to strategic partnerships with local and foreign investors, aiming to expand industrial capacity, increase export potential, and support Egypt's transition toward a more self-reliant economy. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
