EVALUATION AND BENEFICIATION OF RAW MATERIALS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Don H. Hains, P. Geo., MBA

Senior Associate Industrial Minerals Specialist

Watts, Griffis & McOuat Ltd.

In association with Egyptian Mineral Resources ( Emra). Geofield Italy and Chemica Egypt

The Industrial Modernization Centre (“IMC”) is an industrial development agency jointly funded by the European Union, the Egyptian private sector, and the government of Egypt, whose mandate is to provide business development support to Egyptian industrial enterprises. Watts, Griffis and McOuat Limited (“WGM”), a Canadian-based firm of consulting geologist and engineers has been selected by the IMC to conduct a yearlong study on Egypt’s Industrial Minerals Sector.

Recognizing the importance of the construction materials industry to the development of Egypt, the IMC has engaged WGM for a comprehensive review and strategic analysis of eight key construction raw materials and associated downstream processing operations. The results of the work will be used to guide government policy development respecting exploitation and development of key construction raw materials, assist industry in improving its operations and competitive position, and encourage investment in the sector.

Partnering with WGM are one of the world’s foremost leaders in dimensional stone, WGM’s associate firm, Geofield srl, and WGM’s local partner, Chimica Edile Middle East, who will provide valuable logistical, infrastructure, research and back office support. WGM has also formed a strategic alliance with the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority (“EMRA”), under the directorship of Dr. Hassan Bekheit, whose in-depth knowledge of Egypt’s industrial mineral geology is second to none.

WGM’s president, Mr. Joe Hinzer, reflects on the IMC’s selection of WGM for this assignment, stating “We are proud to be associated with the IMC on this very important project. The end results of this study will have far reaching impacts on Egypt’s economy for many years to come, and will serve to strengthen the countries competitive edge in the global construction material sector.”

About WGM

WGM is Canada’s longest running independent firm of geological and mining consultants that provides value-added professional services of the highest standards to the global mineral resource industry.

From grass-roots exploration through to mine closure, our expertise in project management, mineral resource and reserve estimates, technical reports, due diligence reviews, and property valuations, has distinguished WGM as the most trusted name in exploration and mining since 1962.