In the statement, the ministry clarified that the concession agreement for the Sukari mine, issued under Law No. 222 of 1994, remains in full force and governs the relationship between all concerned parties.

Furthermore, the ministry emphasized that the Sukari Gold Mining Company will continue to manage the operations at the mine without any changes in the company's structure or management since the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority and the Pharaoh Gold Mines NL each holds a 50 percent stake in the company.

According to the statement, the ministry also pointed out that the acquisition is a commercial transaction between two global companies listed on international stock exchanges — Centamin on the London Stock Exchange and AngloGold Ashanti on the New York Stock Exchange — meaning the deal does not require Egyptian approval as it involves all of Centamin's shares worldwide.

The ministry, read the statement, welcomed AngloGold Ashanti, the world's fourth-largest gold producer, to Egypt’s mining sector, stating that this move reflects global confidence in Egypt's investment climate and the success of government policies in attracting foreign investments.

In a press conference earlier Wednesday, Prime Minister Mostafa  Madbouly said Egypt’s share of Sukari Gold Mine will remain untouched.

Madbouly's remarks came after news of a deal to sell Centamin company that operates the mine.

AngloGold acquired Centamin for $2.5 billion earlier in September.

The Sukari Gold Mine, located in Egypt's Eastern Desert, is the country's largest and most important gold mine.

The mine has been operated since 2005 through a joint venture between the Egyptian government and the Pharaoh Gold Mines NL.