Eurasian Group to Invest in Egyptian Mining Sector

Egyptian Minister of Petroleum Tarek El-Molla during his meeting with the delegation of the Eurasian Resources Group specialized in mining. (Asharq Al-Awsat) 
Egyptian Minister of Petroleum Tarek El-Molla during his meeting with the delegation of the Eurasian Resources Group specialized in mining. (Asharq Al-Awsat) 
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Eurasian Group to Invest in Egyptian Mining Sector

Egyptian Minister of Petroleum Tarek El-Molla during his meeting with the delegation of the Eurasian Resources Group specialized in mining. (Asharq Al-Awsat) 
Egyptian Minister of Petroleum Tarek El-Molla during his meeting with the delegation of the Eurasian Resources Group specialized in mining. (Asharq Al-Awsat) 

The Eurasian Resources Group (ERG) - which is specialized in mining - said that it seeks to expand in Egypt in the coming period amid ongoing developments and legislations in Egypt that are facilitating foreign firms’ operations in the country.

The Eurasian Resources Group specializes in mining, energy, transportation, and marketing operations in 16 countries worldwide. The Group uses the newest techniques in search and exploitation.

The history of the Eurasian Group goes back to 1994, when shareholders of the Company acquired the first asset in Kazakhstan. Since then, ERG has become one of the world’s leading diversified mining and smelting groups with fully integrated mining, processing, energy production, logistical and marketing operations, according to the website.

On the sidelines of Egypt Mining Forum 2023, the ERG officials expressed during their meeting with Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Tarek El Molla their interest in Egypt’s achievements in mining.

They revealed studies to kick off investments in the Egyptian market, given its promising opportunities.

Jonathan Cordiero, the head of the Development Sector at Eurasian Resources Group, said that he agreed with the minister on exploring further opportunities for cooperation and investment, aiming to benefit from the group's expertise, especially in maximizing the value of mineral resources and developing ongoing projects.

El Molla explained the developments and reforms that the mining sector has witnessed in Egypt, resulting in successful auctions attracting global investments and partnerships.

El Molla emphasized that the group's participation in the Egypt Mining Forum is an excellent opportunity to gain insight into the Egyptian market and explore the tangible reforms undertaken in the mining sector. It will also help identify potential areas for the group's investment, starting from participation in bids and extending to various services within the mining sector.

In parallel, heads and officials of the companies participating in the Forum stressed that Egypt is “on the right track” and has offered new incentives for investment in the mining sector.

During the session of the CEOs of major international companies working in gold mining in Egypt, to unleash the investment potential of the mining sector in the country, within the activities of the Egypt Mining Forum, Martin Horgan, Centamin CEO, said that Egypt has the necessary geological factors and expertise to achieve remarkable results in the mining sector, in addition to the infrastructure and human capacities.

Mark Campbell, Chairman & General Manager of Akh Gold Limited, lauded the unique geographic location of Egypt that permits it to attract more investments especially after the Egyptian minister of petroleum amended the mineral wealth law.



Revenue Growth, Improved Operational Efficiency Boost Profitability of Saudi Telecom Companies

A man monitors the movement of stocks on the Saudi Tadawul index. (AFP)
A man monitors the movement of stocks on the Saudi Tadawul index. (AFP)
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Revenue Growth, Improved Operational Efficiency Boost Profitability of Saudi Telecom Companies

A man monitors the movement of stocks on the Saudi Tadawul index. (AFP)
A man monitors the movement of stocks on the Saudi Tadawul index. (AFP)

Telecommunications companies listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) achieved a 12.46 percent growth in their net profits, which reached SAR 4.07 billion ($1.09 billion) during the second quarter of 2024, compared to SAR 3.62 billion ($965 million) during the same period last year.

They also recorded a 4.76 percent growth in revenues during the same quarter, after achieving sales worth more than SAR 26.18 billion ($7 billion), compared to SAR 24.99 billion ($6.66 billion) in the same quarter of 2023.

The growth in the revenues and net profitability is the result of several factors, including the increase in sales volume and revenues, especially in the business sector and fifth generation services, as well as the decrease in operating expenses and the focus on improving operational efficiency, controlling costs, and moving towards investment in infrastructure.

The sector comprises four companies, three of which conclude their fiscal year in December: Saudi Telecom Company (STC), Mobily, and Zain Saudi Arabia. The fiscal year of Etihad Atheeb Telecommunications Company (GO) ends on March 31.

According to its financial results announced on Tadawul, Etihad Etisalat Company (Mobily) achieved a 33 percent growth rate of profits, bringing its profits to SAR 661 million by the end of the second quarter of 2024, compared to SAR 497 million during the same period in 2023. The company also achieved a 4.59 percent growth in revenues to reach SAR 4.47 billion, compared to SAR 4.27 billion in the same quarter of last year.

The Saudi Telecom Company achieved the highest net profits among the sector’s companies, at about SAR 3.304 billion in the second quarter of 2024, compared to SAR 3.008 billion in the same quarter of 2023. The company registered a growth of 4.52 percent in revenues.

On the other hand, the revenues of the Saudi Mobile Telecommunications Company (Zain Saudi Arabia) increased by about 6.69 percent, as it recorded SAR 2.55 billion during the second quarter of 2024, compared to SAR 2.39 billion in the same period last year.

Commenting on the quarterly results of the sector’s companies, and the varying net profits, the head of asset management at Rassanah Capital, Thamer Al-Saeed, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Saudi Telecom Company remains the sector leader in terms of customer base expansion.

He also noted the continued efforts of Mobily and Zain to offer many diverse products and other services.

Financial advisor at the Arab Trader Mohammed Al-Maymouni said the financial results of telecom sector companies have maintained a steady growth, up to 12 percent, adding that Mobily witnessed strong progress compared to the rest of the companies, despite the great competition which affected its revenues.

He added that Zain was moving at a good pace and its revenues have improved during the second quarter of 2024. However, its profits were affected by an increase in the financing cost by SAR 26.5 million riyals and a rise in interest, while net income declined significantly compared to the previous year, during which the company made exceptional returns.