Saudi to unlock $1.3 trillion mineral wealth

Saudi geologists are collaborating with international colleagues from such countries as the UK, South Africa, Finland, and China to unlock the Kingdom’s mineral reserves, estimated to be worth $1.3 trillion.

A series of surveys of an area of about 600,000 square kilometers across the Arabian Shield will be conducted by the country's Regional Geological Survey Program (RGP) over the next six years to provide new opportunities for international mining investors.

The plan has a budget of $533 million.

Saudi Arabia has the advantage of having a unique geological landscape with limited vegetation cover.

The survey represents a key component of the mining strategy that forms part of Saudi Vision 2030. It will be conducted in collaboration with technical experts and contractual partners from different.

Some 500 technical staff are working on the program alongside international partners.

The project also aims to help progress junior geological scientists through in-depth training.