Saudi Arabia Receives over 2,000 Applications for Mineral Resources Exploration Licenses

The Saudi Geological Survey is intensifying its work in research and exploration operations. (SGS)
The Saudi Geological Survey is intensifying its work in research and exploration operations. (SGS)
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Saudi Arabia Receives over 2,000 Applications for Mineral Resources Exploration Licenses

The Saudi Geological Survey is intensifying its work in research and exploration operations. (SGS)
The Saudi Geological Survey is intensifying its work in research and exploration operations. (SGS)

CEO of the Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) Engineer Abdullah Al-Shamrani announced that the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources is currently processing over 2,000 local and international license applications, including around 2,000 for exploration and approximately 139 for mining. Additionally, he said that more than 2,300 mining licenses have been issued, reflecting significant growth in the sector.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Shamrani highlighted the rapid expansion of both local and foreign investment in mining over recent years. He stressed that ensuring investor success is a top priority for the Ministry of Industry, which provides financial support, various programs, and essential geological data to facilitate investment.

The official revealed that Saudi Arabia’s gold reserves exceed 100 million ounces, while over 34 million tons of zinc and 17 million tons of copper have been discovered. Exploration activities are ongoing across various locations throughout the country, he noted.

Cave tourism

Al-Shamrani also pointed to plans to establish a geological museum in Saudi Arabia in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism. He said the SGS is working closely with the ministry to provide detailed geological data for sites that could be developed into tourist attractions.

“Cooperation is ongoing with the Ministry of Tourism to transform certain caves into tourist destinations, especially since there are more than 150 caves across the country. Among these is the Umm Jirsan cave, which is 1.5 kilometers long and located near Madinah. It is notable for its natural beauty and historical significance,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.

He cited the Abu Al-Wa’ul cave, which contains the skeletal remains of extinct animals, stating that such discoveries add a new dimension for those interested in geological tourism.

When asked about the role of the private sector in developing and preparing these caves for tourism, Al-Shamrani explained that this responsibility lies with the Ministry of Tourism, which has specific plans to economically benefit from these sites.

Fossil discoveries

The official highlighted the significance of fossil discoveries, stating that they could be displayed in geological museums. Collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism could showcase fossils and other geological features to provide insight into Saudi Arabia’s geology and its diverse types of stones, offering both educational and investment opportunities.

He revealed recent fossil discoveries, including mammals in the Nafud region, Hijaz monkeys, and the remains of a 37-million-year-old extinct whale found in limestone in the Al-Qurayyat area of Al-Jawf in northern Saudi Arabia.

The SGS’s findings show that the Arabian Shield holds most of the Kingdom’s primary minerals. Al-Shamrani noted that 81% of the country’s aerial geophysical survey has been completed, with 88,000 sediment samples collected from an area spanning nearly 600,000 square kilometers.

The expansion of geological data from these surveys will offer a clearer picture of mineral exploration sites, which will further accelerate exploration and investment in the mining sector, according to the official.

Mining license applications

Al-Shamrani added that the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources has issued around 2,300 mining licenses, including over 1,400 for building material quarries and more than 600 for exploration, with a total estimated value of SAR 89 billion ($23.7 billion).

The Geological Information Platform has attracted nearly 78,000 visitors.

The estimated value of Saudi Arabia’s minerals is approximately $2.5 trillion. Quantities of discovered resources continue to vary based on the latest exploration studies and global demand.



Syria, World Bank Discuss Tools to Support Syrian Economic Recovery

People wait their turn in a queue outside an ATM in Damascus on April 16, 2025. (Photo by LOUAI BESHARA / AFP)
People wait their turn in a queue outside an ATM in Damascus on April 16, 2025. (Photo by LOUAI BESHARA / AFP)
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Syria, World Bank Discuss Tools to Support Syrian Economic Recovery

People wait their turn in a queue outside an ATM in Damascus on April 16, 2025. (Photo by LOUAI BESHARA / AFP)
People wait their turn in a queue outside an ATM in Damascus on April 16, 2025. (Photo by LOUAI BESHARA / AFP)

Members of the Syrian government and a delegation from the World Bank discussed in Damascus tools to support Syria's economic recovery, the Syrian foreign ministry said on Wednesday.

Sources told Reuters on Saturday that Syrian officials are planning to attend the annual spring meetings held by the International Monetary Fund and World Bank in Washington, D.C. this month, which would be the first such visit in at least two decades.

Syria has around $15 million in arrears to the World Bank which must be paid off before the international financial institution can approve grants and provide other forms of assistance.

But Damascus is short of foreign currency and a previous plan to pay off the debts using assets frozen abroad did not materialize, according to two people familiar with the matter.

A technical delegation from the World Bank met with Syria's Finance Minister Mohammed Yosr Bernieh on Monday, according to the Syrian state news agency Sana.
The meeting, which was the first public meeting between the Syrian government and the World Bank, included discussions on strengthening financial and economic ties between the two sides.
Bernieh also highlighted the negative effects of the international sanctions imposed on Syria and policies of the former regime on the country's financial and banking sector.