Chairman of the Saudi Geologists Cooperative Association Prof. Abdulaziz bin Labon said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enjoys several mineral treasures, noting that previous mineral exploration processes showed at least 5,300 mineral locations of various minerals, metal and non-metal rocks, building materials, decorative rocks and gemstones. He noted that the igneous and transformative rocks can be found in the Arabian Shield region whose total area stands at some 630,000 square kilometers, which equals almost one third of the total area of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with 32%, where metal minerals, such as gold, silver, copper, foil and iron and other rare and radioactive elements can be found in the Arabian Shield rocks, adding that it is expected for the comprehensive mineral survey of the Arabian Shield to explore more mineral resources. He also highlighted the importance of minerals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and investing in them as a third economic pillar for the national economy after oil and petrochemicals, especially that the state, represented by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, has placed much attention to these minerals through comprehensive mineral survey in the Arabian Shield and other sites, embarking on mineral investment, holding local workshops, organizing field trips and organizing international conferences, such as the Future Mineral Forum that kicks off today. He pointed out that the Future Mineral Forum is characterized with a beautiful initiative of engaging the community, academia (professors and students) and the industrial sector of businesspeople in geological and mining events that precede the forum through holding workshops for a full day and mining geological trips for one day to Madinah, Jeddah and Riyadh. He also said that the Saudi Geologists Cooperative Association has prepared for participation in the workshops and trips and prepared eight booklets and 19 posters on geology and mining.
