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Head of Saudi Geological Survey: 400 Investment Requests in the Saudi Mining Sector

The Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) Eng. Abdullah bin Muftar Al-Shamrani (Photo Credit: Ghazi Mehdi)
The Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) Eng. Abdullah bin Muftar Al-Shamrani (Photo Credit: Ghazi Mehdi)
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Head of Saudi Geological Survey: 400 Investment Requests in the Saudi Mining Sector

The Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) Eng. Abdullah bin Muftar Al-Shamrani (Photo Credit: Ghazi Mehdi)
The Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) Eng. Abdullah bin Muftar Al-Shamrani (Photo Credit: Ghazi Mehdi)

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.

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Israel-Iran Conflict Disrupts Air Travel in the Region

Flight information display screen shows updates about cancelled flights, due to schedule disruptions stemming from the Iran-Israel conflict, at the Beirut-Rafik Hariri International Airport, Lebanon June 16, 2025. (Reuters)
Flight information display screen shows updates about cancelled flights, due to schedule disruptions stemming from the Iran-Israel conflict, at the Beirut-Rafik Hariri International Airport, Lebanon June 16, 2025. (Reuters)
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Israel-Iran Conflict Disrupts Air Travel in the Region

Flight information display screen shows updates about cancelled flights, due to schedule disruptions stemming from the Iran-Israel conflict, at the Beirut-Rafik Hariri International Airport, Lebanon June 16, 2025. (Reuters)
Flight information display screen shows updates about cancelled flights, due to schedule disruptions stemming from the Iran-Israel conflict, at the Beirut-Rafik Hariri International Airport, Lebanon June 16, 2025. (Reuters)

The escalating military conflict between Israel and Iran is creating mounting challenges for Middle Eastern airlines, including airspace closures and rerouted flight paths, all of which are driving up operational costs.

While Gulf carriers are relying on alternative routes - albeit more expensive ones - private airlines in neighboring countries face the risk of exiting the market altogether if the crisis persists.

Countries geographically close to the conflict, such as Iraq, Lebanon, and Jordan, are increasingly concerned about the conflict’s deepening impact on the civil aviation sector, which represents one of the most sensitive branches of their economies. The threat is no longer confined to security concerns alone, but is now hitting the economic core of these nations.

Dr. Hussein Al-Zahrani, an aviation investor, told Asharq Al-Awsat that countries geographically tied to the Iran-Israel conflict are already facing direct complications in the aviation sector. These include airport closures and rerouted flights, such as the diversion of Jordanian planes to Egypt’s Cairo and Sharm El Sheikh, or grounding aircraft entirely.

Al-Zahrani noted that national carriers in these countries, particularly state-owned airlines, are more likely to receive government support to help them weather the storm. However, the limited number of private airlines operating in these regions may not survive a prolonged crisis.

Iraq has approximately five carriers, Lebanon one, Syria two (one of which is government-owned), and Jordan three; all of which could suffer significantly if the conflict drags on.

In contrast, Gulf airlines have contingency plans in place, Al-Zahrani said, although they are not immune to the repercussions.

Increased flight distances and restricted airspace will present logistical and financial burdens, though Gulf carriers are more resilient and often absorb the extra costs themselves. In many cases, rerouting results in only minor extensions - around 20 minutes - which allows airlines to maintain stable pricing.

He cited exceptions, such as some northern-bound Kuwaiti flights to Europe that typically rely on Iraqi airspace. These will now need to reroute via Saudi airspace, then over the Mediterranean to reach Europe, significantly increasing flight durations and operating expenses.

Al-Zahrani also pointed out that many transcontinental flights between East and West, which pass over Saudi and Iraqi airspace, will be disrupted if closures in conflict zones persist. This may force airlines to reschedule, reroute, or even suspend certain long-haul routes if they become economically unfeasible.

Aviation-sector companies are considered foundational contributors to national budgets, particularly in countries where the industry plays a major economic role. According to Al-Zahrani, these entities are typically the first to suffer in the event of military conflicts, especially as oil prices rise and long-haul operations become increasingly expensive.

Observers warn that if Iran were to close the Strait of Hormuz - a vital maritime corridor connecting the Arabian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea - it would further heighten concerns for both maritime and air transportation companies, given the anticipated spike in insurance costs and risk premiums should the crisis continue.

Economic analyst Marwan Al-Sharif told Asharq Al-Awsat that airlines may be able to navigate the crisis if it remains short-lived, especially those operating in proximity to the warring parties. However, if the conflict drags on, the resulting losses could grow more severe, weakening the financial viability of many carriers amid rising fuel costs, airspace restrictions, and surging insurance rates.