The Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority (EMRA) is to launch a first of its kind international tender to search for gold in seven areas in the Western Desert, and an area in South Sinai by next January. Chairman of EMRA Omar Toema said in a special statement that the security approvals for the eight areas are being obtained. After that, the procedures of obtaining the administrative approvals for preparing the tender to be offered to international companies will be taken. He explained that the procedures of preparing the areas to search for gold began last month. The approvals to launch the tender are expected to be obtained by next January. Toema said joint companies will be established with any company that conducts commercial exploration in the area, if it wins in the tender for searching and prospecting for gold that will be launched next January. He added that more than 20 term brochures were sold to companies in order to participate in the tender that was launched last October to search and prospect for mining materials in nine different areas in the country. Toema added that the tender brochure costs $100, and that the door of receiving offers from companies will be closed on 1 February. He added that research will begin directly after completing the studies, and deciding who wins in the competition, and the contracts, which are expected to be signed soon with investors. Toema explained that the research will take place in nine areas for several materials. The first material kaolinite sand, will be searched for in Abu Had Wadi Qena in the North of Western Desert, and Hadabet El-Ganna in South Sinai. The second material, calcareous shale, will be searched for in the area of Gabal Om Sayala (Abu Zneima) in South Sinai, while the third and fourth materials, lead and zinc, will be explored in Omm Gheig, South of Quseir in the coast of the Red Sea. Other materials are in the areas of Sweiqat Al-Arish in the middle of the Western Desert, Gabal Abu Kharook in the Western Desert, and Hafafit Valley in the south of the Western Desert.
