Egypt to Boost Local Production of Black Sand and Rare Earth Elements

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has ordered the expansion of local manufacturing in the black sand industry and its related products, including fertilizers and rare earth elements. The directive came during a meeting held in New Alamein on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat. Black sand contains heavy minerals such as ilmenite, magnetite, and zircon, which are used in high-tech industries. Rare earth elements are critical for producing electronics, renewable energy technologies, and defense systems. By boosting local processing, Egypt aims to reduce reliance on imported materials and increase the value of its natural resources. The meeting focused on developing value-added products from black sand, which are currently exported in raw form. Officials discussed steps to build domestic capacity for refining and manufacturing these materials. No specific timelines or investment figures were disclosed in the statement. This move aligns with Egypt’s broader strategy to strengthen its industrial base and create jobs. Further details on the implementation plan are expected in the coming months.