The Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Geological Survey (SGS), Eng. Abdullah bin Muftar Al-Shamrani, revealed that there are approximately 400 license applications for investment in the mining sector in general, submitted by foreign investors and multinational companies, apart from the applications from local investors, which are currently under process.
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Shamrani stated that the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources is currently preparing a specialized mining competition for sites in Medina, Riyadh, and Asir.
These sites contain copper, zinc, lead, and silver deposits. He further revealed that the announcement of the winners of the exploration license for each site will take place in the coming days.
Al-Shamrani pointed out that SGS is currently studying the implementation of an early warning system for earthquakes, as well as conducting detailed studies on the proposed locations for building major strategic development projects in the Kingdom.
This is to design earthquake-resistant buildings in accordance with the Saudi Building Code.
Furthermore, Al-Shamrani added that around 300 caves and rare geological landmarks have been discovered, which will position Saudi Arabia at the forefront of countries in the tourism sector.
He explained that the SGS is emphasizing the importance of these sites to the ministries of culture and tourism, with the aim of utilizing them for tourism purposes. There are joint committees actively working on this matter.
Al-Shamrani said that the strategy of SGS emanates from the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, where the focus lies in providing and securing mineral resources for the sustainability of local industries.
This is achieved through accelerating exploration efforts for mineral wealth and developing promising human resources within an institutional environment characterized by flexibility and cooperation, aiming to achieve operational excellence throughout the Kingdom.
As part of its strategy, the SGS looks forward to keeping pace with tangible developments in managing and providing high-quality, accurate, user-friendly, and easily accessible digital geological data.
Al-Shamrani clarified that the SGS is collaborating with relevant entities to build and consolidate integrated information on geological hazards at the national level.
They aim to establish a digitally-enabled strategy that leverages the latest advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Additionally, they seek to foster comprehensive cooperation through establishing strong local and global partnership agreements.
According to Al-Shamrani, the number of discovered minerals, both metallic and non-metallic (industrial minerals and rocks), recorded in the Saudi Geological Database, has reached 5,611 sites to date.
He further explained that the production of copper and zinc in 2022 amounted to approximately 150,000 tons.
Additionally, permits were issued to export 380,000 tons of copper concentrates and 85,000 tons of zinc concentrates in the same year.
