The Egyptian Armed Forces have initiated the second phase of their campaign against unauthorized gold ore prospecting in the Eastern Desert, according to reports from the Egyptian newspaper Youm7.
Military spokesman Colonel Ahmed Attman confirmed the operation's continuation, stating that efforts to counter illegal gold extraction activities in the region remain ongoing, as reported by Al-Masry Al-Youm and other local outlets.
The second phase follows an initial crackdown that targeted unlicensed mining operations in the mineral-rich Eastern Desert, a vast area known for gold deposits. The renewed push signals the military's sustained commitment to regulating the sector, which has seen a rise in informal prospecting activity.
According to CNN Arabic, the Egyptian army has resumed its campaign against unauthorized gold digging, underscoring the operation's significance in the government's broader efforts to control natural resource extraction. The coverage from Mubasher.info similarly highlighted the military's role in enforcing mining regulations.
The military's involvement reflects the strategic importance of the Eastern Desert's gold reserves to Egypt's economy. Officials have previously cited concerns over revenue losses and environmental damage caused by unregulated mining.
What to watch next: Whether the second phase expands to include new areas or introduces stricter enforcement measures, and how it affects informal miners operating in the region.
