Largest Gas Turbine Maintenance Centers Outside the US Join Saudi ‘MODON’

Under the agreement, MODON says initiatives will be launched to support and empower entrepreneurs and SMEs
Under the agreement, MODON says initiatives will be launched to support and empower entrepreneurs and SMEs
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Largest Gas Turbine Maintenance Centers Outside the US Join Saudi ‘MODON’

Under the agreement, MODON says initiatives will be launched to support and empower entrepreneurs and SMEs
Under the agreement, MODON says initiatives will be launched to support and empower entrepreneurs and SMEs

CEO of the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON) Eng. Majed Al-Argoubi and President of General Electric (GE) Saudi Arabia and Bahrain Hisham Al-Bahkali have signed an agreement whereby GE factories spread over 120,000 square meters in the Eastern Region will come under MODON supervision.

GE Saudi Arabia's industrial complex consists of two factories and a research center, including a power industry technology plant, which is the largest center for service and repair of advanced turbocharged equipment and the largest gas maintenance and sophisticated turbine maintenance center outside the US.

The plant directly serves its main customers within the Kingdom, primarily Saudi Electricity Company, Aramco, and Saudi Basic Industries Corporation. The center, where Saudis constitute up to 64% of the employees, also provides services to over 70 customers in more than 40 countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Under the above agreement, MODON says that initiatives will be launched to support and empower entrepreneurs and SMEs, in line with the National Industry Strategy.

It also aims to diversify the national economy, in line with the Saudi Vision 2030.

MODON is also keen to boost its partnerships with major global manufacturers and companies, to contribute to supporting the Saudi industry with advanced technologies and to enhancing its competitiveness in regional and international markets.

MODON supervises 18 private industrial complexes and cities; it has created an industrial environment that stimulates the growth of investment activities, supported by all industrial services and products, and offers logistical and technical solutions that are consistent with global best practices in this field.

Through its strategy to empower industry and contribute to increasing local contribution, MODON seeks to help the private sector contribute some 65% to the GDP, under the umbrella of the National Strategy for Industry, which is in line with the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030.



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.