Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority (EMRA)

Formed out of the Egyptian Geological Survey (EGS) which was established in 1896, the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority (EMRA) is the authority entrusted with the geological mapping of the country and to explore, discover and evaluate its mineral wealth. EMRA also offers technical advice to a variety of governmental departments, mining companies, land reclamation and housing projects.

As of mid 2013 Fekry Youssef Mohamed, the former undersecretary for mineral resources, was EMRA's chairman.

Organizational Structure
The formerly independent geological survey, now known as the Sector of Geological Survey, forms one of six branches within EMRA, which also include the Sector of Mining Projects, the Sector of Mining and Quarries, the Sector of Central Laboratories, the Sector of Technical Services, and the Sector of Finance and Administration. EMRA employs more than 600 specialist geologists, chemists, and engineers, and its total staff numbers 2,600 workers.

History
The EGS produced the first geological map of Egypt in 1910. EMRA was reshaped and expanded in 1956, as Egypt industrialized, and the organization built modern laboratories and introduced new specializations. Over the years EMRA has contributed to the study of various engineering projects, such as the Aswan High Dam, the unrealized Qattara Depression inland sea, and the rebuilding of the Suez Canal Cities, among others.

In 2011, Chairman Mohamed said he expects the mining sector to constitute five to six percent of Egypt’s gross domestic product (GDP) over the next two to three years, up from a contribution of only 1 percent. "Egypt, in terms of mineral resources, is still virgin territory. We have many kinds of mineral resources and huge reserves,” the chairman said according to Egypt Independent.

Main Activities
According to its website, EMRA's main objectives and activities include:


 * Licensing mineral exploration and exploitation activities
 * Maximizing the national reserve of minerals, ensuring optimum exploitation and value added
 * Satisfying domestic demand and exports
 * Guaranteeing good environmental practice
 * Regulating mining activities and supervising the implementation of laws governing them
 * Creating and promoting investment opportunities

Through the Sector of Geological Survey, EMRA also provides some services and consultation to the public and private sectors on a contract basis. EMRA can operate abroad and form partnerships with private companies or with other earth science agencies. Through the geological survey it also engages in:


 * Surveying and geological mapping
 * Geological exploration and assessment
 * Geophysical studies
 * Shallow drilling and well logging
 * Rock sample analysis
 * Environmental studies
 * Training programs
 * Publishing

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