Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi met with Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad to discuss and pursue a number of joint work projects between the two ministries.
Topics discussed included the follow-up of environmental clean-up plans of oil companies operating in the Gulf of Suez, monitoring of the environmental situation in the Mostorod region, cooperation on petroleum waste and environmental problems in the mining sector, as well as developments in the negotiation process on the legally binding international instrument to reduce environmental pollution by plastic materials.
Badawi stressed the importance of protecting the environment and pointed to the need to attract investment in ongoing and future projects by ensuring that the sector is consistent with the principles of sustainability.
The Petroleum Minister explained that this is not just about compliance with regulations, but about making the sector an attractive option for talent and companies that care about the environment.
Badawi explained that cooperation between the work teams and the environmental authorities is crucial. He pointed out that the projects to protect the environment, especially in areas such as the Gulf of Suez, reflect the sector’s commitment to environmental standards and the achievement of concrete progress on the ground.
In addition, Badawi explained that efforts to make the petroleum sector environmentally sustainable include an agreement with Emirati company Dragon Oil, which has expressed its willingness to invest. Badawi further noted that this commitment will help secure the necessary funds for the required environmental projects and expand environmental plans in a realistic manner to ensure further progress.
The meeting discussed the cooperation between the two ministries on petroleum waste and the need for a decision by the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (MoPMR) to designate the issuing body and issue licenses for handling hazardous waste.
Regarding waste from used cooking oils, Fouad explained that it was agreed to submit the file to the Cabinet for a resolution granting the Waste Management Regulatory Authority the right to issue the necessary licenses to companies engaged in the collection of used oil so that the MoPMR can enter into contracts with these companies to ensure that there is no unauthorized use.
