Egypt has signed a USD 140 mln long-term syndicated financing agreement for the first phase of a metallic silicon and derivatives complex planned for the industrial zone in New Alamein, according to the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources.
The project, led by the Egyptian Petrochemicals Holding Company (ECHEM), aims to build an integrated facility producing metallurgical-grade silicon and downstream products, using Egypt’s high-purity quartz resources instead of exporting them as raw materials.
Metallurgical-grade silicon is widely used in steelmaking as a deoxidizer and alloying element and serves as a base material for multiple industries.
The project has secured the cabinet’s Golden License, streamlining approvals to accelerate execution. Development will take place over four phases, with the first phase targeting 45,000 tons per year of metallurgical-grade silicon, backed by total investments of around USD 200 mln.
Subsequent phases will focus on higher-value silicon derivatives, including a 25,000 tons per year polysilicon plant for electronics and solar applications, alongside intermediate and finished silicone products, positioning Egypt as a regional silicon industry hub.
