Offer Submitted to Merge UAE’s NPCC, NMDC in Integrated Entity

Offer Submitted to Merge UAE’s NPCC, NMDC in Integrated Entity
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Offer Submitted to Merge UAE’s NPCC, NMDC in Integrated Entity

Offer Submitted to Merge UAE’s NPCC, NMDC in Integrated Entity

The United Arab Emirates’ National Petroleum Construction Company (NPCC) announced Sunday that it has submitted a merging offer to the Board of National Marine Dredging Company (NMDC).

The offer would create a new national and regional integrated Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) champion with an established footprint in key markets within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, reported the state news agency (WAM).

“The combined group would be one of the largest integrated oil and gas and marine services EPC players in the MENA region with integrated 2019 revenue of AED8.875 billion.

“It aims at maintaining NMDC’s existing listing by positioning the combined group as one of the largest companies on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), which is expected to have a positive impact on overall demand and liquidity for the combined group’s shares,” read a joint press release.

The offer’s main articles stipulate transferring NPCC’s entire issued share capital to NMDC.

While NMDC, in return, would issue a convertible instrument into 575 million ordinary shares in the combined group upon closing the transaction.

The price at which the convertible instrument will convert into shares in NMDC is AED4.40 per share, and the offer implies an equity value of NMDC at AED1.1 billion.

If NMDC’s Board recommends the offer and its shareholders vote in its favor, the deal is expected to be concluded by the end of 2020, on condition of receiving all required regulatory approvals.



Saudi Minister of Industry: Geological Survey Authority to Play Key Role in Mining Over Next 25 Years

Prince Saud and the Minister of Industry during the Authority's ceremony. (Makkah Region)
Prince Saud and the Minister of Industry during the Authority's ceremony. (Makkah Region)
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Saudi Minister of Industry: Geological Survey Authority to Play Key Role in Mining Over Next 25 Years

Prince Saud and the Minister of Industry during the Authority's ceremony. (Makkah Region)
Prince Saud and the Minister of Industry during the Authority's ceremony. (Makkah Region)

Saudi Arabia’s Geological Survey Authority plays a vital role in uncovering the earth’s reserves of metals such as gold, zinc, and copper. According to Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef, this role is set to expand significantly in the next 25 years as the Authority becomes central to advancing the mining sector.

Alkhorayef emphasized the commitment to continuing geological survey and exploration projects, providing critical data to investors. He highlighted initiatives launched by the Authority to transform the mining sector into the third pillar of the national economy.

The minister was speaking during a ceremony celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Saudi Geological Survey Authority. The event, held under the patronage of Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Governor of the Makkah Province, was inaugurated by Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the region, in the presence of senior officials and distinguished guests.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Alkhorayef noted the significant influx of investment in Saudi Arabia’s mining sector.

“There is now a large number of investment applications in the mining sector. We are collaborating with other government entities to ensure site allocations for investors,” he said.

He added that new agreements are being signed daily, both for expansions by existing investors and for new entrants to the sector.

The data obtained from geological surveys and the Authority’s digital platform has positioned Saudi Arabia as a prime destination for mining investments,’ he stressed.

“The results we achieve through geological surveys and accurate data collection make Saudi Arabia a key focus for companies seeking to expand in the mining sector to secure future resource supplies,” added Alkhorayef.

He also underscored efforts to verify data through additional sampling and by concentrating on areas with the richest deposits, which enhances the credibility of Saudi mining data globally.

Saudi Arabia has implemented extensive geological survey projects, covering over 85% of the country’s territory through advanced geophysical and geochemical techniques.

Alkhorayef highlighted the General Geological Survey Program and the initiative to build a National Geological Data Repository. These efforts have increased the estimated value of the Kingdom’s untapped mineral resources from SAR 4.9 trillion in 2016 to SAR 9.4 trillion at the beginning of 2024.

At the ceremony, the Deputy Governor of Makkah Province unveiled the Saudi Geological Survey Authority’s new logo, reflecting its geological identity and ongoing efforts to map the Kingdom’s resources while promoting cultural and environmental awareness. The event also included recognition for the Authority’s founding committee members and ceremony sponsors.

Alkhorayef noted that the Authority has completed more than 500 specialized projects across various earth science fields. These include geological mapping at various scales, mineral exploration, geophysical, geochemical, and marine surveys, geological hazard monitoring and mitigation, and mining research and studies.

He pointed to the Authority’s emphasis on developing its human resources, recognizing that their dedication and expertise have been pivotal to its success and to earning widespread acclaim for its accomplishments.

In his remarks marking the Authority’s 25th anniversary, Alkhorayef acknowledged the significant national efforts in exploring mineral wealth over the past quarter-century.

These efforts have led to major discoveries that have positively impacted multiple sectors, he said, adding that discoveries of key minerals like phosphate, potassium, gold, and silver, as well as strategic mineral reserves, have bolstered investments and spurred the growth of the mining sector.