The Geological Survey explained that a clear goal has been set for the mining sector to grow its contribution to GDP from about 64 billion riyals annually to about 281 billion riyals by 2035, and in this context the value of untapped minerals alone was estimated at about 5 trillion riyals, taking into account that More mineral resources may be discovered.
Over the past three years, the authority has focused on developing and implementing the general program of the regional geological survey, a multi-disciplinary initiative by launching the first phase of its projects on an area of more than 600 thousand square kilometers covering the entire area of the geological area known as the “Arab Shield”.
This initiative aims to achieve better knowledge of the mineral formations in that region, while the regional geological survey initiative, which costs two billion riyals, is a fundamental pillar of the economic growth plans embodied in Vision 2030 aiming to transform the mining sector to become the third pillar of the industry in the Kingdom through a program Accelerated growth.
To achieve this vision, 13 implementation programs have been carefully formulated, the most important of which are: The National Industrial Development and Logistics Program, which focuses on building the Kingdom’s industrial capabilities while striving to make it a global leading logistical platform in 4 main sectors: industry, mining, energy and logistics.
The National Industrial Development and Logistics Program covers all stages of the mining sector value chain, including the regional geological survey program, and its objectives of exploration and information gathering.
The work of the projects of this program is represented in atmospheric geophysical surveys and micro-geochemical surveys, and the production of detailed geological maps of the Arab Shield area, while the realization of new scientific discoveries and the exploration of previously un-surveyed areas and the discovery of the mineral resources in which the Kingdom abounds constituted essential elements in the exciting experience that each of He works as a geologist for the Saudi Geological Survey.
In an interview about the regional geological survey program, Dr. Wadih Qashqari, the program’s leader, said, “The essence of the reinforcing role of the mining sector that the program plays lies in the concept of discovery. The three-axis method consisting of aerial geophysical surveys, geochemical surveys and the production of geological maps will appoint experts of the Saudi Geological Survey to build A framework of data sets will not only be beneficial to the Kingdom’s economy, but will also provide invaluable information and analysis on the geological nature of the Kingdom.
“Air geophysical surveys aim to obtain consecutive geophysical data of the Earth’s interior from an atmospheric perspective, using digital techniques to measure magnetic, radiative, electromagnetic and gravitational fields,” he added. Indicating that the main purpose of the magnetic survey is to determine the tectonic and rocky nature of the Arab Shield, which makes the production of geological maps more accurate and determining the mineralization ranges of the Arab Shield.
As for the geochemical surveys, he explained that they are based on collecting surface samples from wadi sediments and heavy metal concentrations from the area of the Arab Shield to conduct chemical analyzes on them. Regional geochemical surveys are used to locate chemical element concentrations and detect mineral evidence that will contribute to mineral exploration and attract investment in the field of mining.
He said, “It is exciting and proud to feel that we are ahead of our competitors in this sector. We at the Saudi Geological Survey are working with experts from all over the world and adopting new technologies, knowledge and sciences, and we have the firm desire and strong incentives to accomplish this mission.”
It is noteworthy that the intensity of sample collection in this huge area, reaching a sample per 6.25 square kilometers, 110,000 samples will be collected, as well as analyzing more than 70 chemical elements for each sample.
On the other hand, the process of preparing the geological maps will produce detailed digital maps that display the geological characteristics of the Arabian Shield area at a scale (1: 50,000), to reach a total of 920 digital geological maps in the future.
It is known that geological maps are among the most important tools that use mineral exploration processes, which will provide important information for investors who want to obtain specific information on how natural resources exist and spread in the Arabian Shield.
The detailed data that will be produced from the regional geological survey program is expected to reveal new mineralization areas, and it is also likely to reveal the exact locations of radioactive ores that can be used in the energy sector. It will also provide seismic survey data related to earthquake and volcanic activity in the region and from a perspective related to With sustainability, the program’s surveys will help ensure that mining operations avoid any potential negative impacts on the environment.
In a collaborative effort with internationally distinguished technical partners and consultants, approximately 500 highly trained technicians working in the Saudi Geological Survey will spend the next six years collecting very important information from these numerous surveys and adding it to the Kingdom’s national geological database so that it is made available to interested people and investors as well. . In addition, contracts concluded with internationally distinguished international partners will play a fundamental role in ensuring that the data collected is of high quality in line with international standards.
The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources confirmed that at the same time that the rules for the mining industry are being established in the Kingdom on the basis of facilitating access to investments through improving the regulations related to mining, the same importance will be given to facilitating access to information that will yield detailed scientific studies of mineral resources in the Kingdom.
It should also be noted that within the framework of these efforts, the growing mining sector supports the growing interest in geology and the production of geological maps shown by young Saudis interested in science, as it provides an opportunity for these young talents to engage in this program in order to transfer a vast wealth of knowledge, science and geological expertise to future generations of scientists And geologists and specialists.
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