Mining
From The Report: Saudi Arabia 2013
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Hydrocarbons are not the only underground resource to yield billions of dollars of profit in Saudi Arabia. The mining of metallic ores, phosphates, bauxite and construction materials is an area of growth that the government hopes will become the third pillar of the economy, after oil and petrochemicals. Indeed, Saudi Arabia encompasses geologically diverse areas that contain a wealth of resources, including some of the world’s largest ore deposits. Furthermore, in recent years the Kingdom has made fundamental changes to its business climate for the sector, while the emergence of a new railway infrastructure should further increase investor interest.

This chapter includes an interview with Sultan J Shawli, Deputy Minister for Mineral Resources.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

The third pillar: Diversification of output as international investment continues to rise
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Hydrocarbons are not the only underground resource to yield billions of dollars of profit in Saudi Arabia. The mining of metallic ores, phosphates, bauxite and construction materials is an area of growth which the government hopes will become the third pillar of the economy, after oil and petrochemicals. Most investment is still either local or regional, but the introduction of a new mining code in 2004 resulted in greater input from foreign investors. As developments come on-line, investors and…

Analysis

City slickers: Two new clusters are expected to spark an uptick in private investment
OBG
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The emergence of two mining cities in Saudi Arabia could galvanise further private sector investment both upstream and downstream, with a host of new rail linkages set to sweeten the deal. Promise Of The North Plans are moving ahead for the development of a mining city named Wa’ad Al Shimaal (“Promise of the North”), which is being developed by government-owned mining company Ma’aden in the Umm Wual area, north-east of Turaif. The first clear signal of commitment to the project came in…

Interview

OBG talks to Sultan J Shawli, Deputy Minister for Mineral Resources
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Interview: Sultan J Shawli To what extent is rail network development a “game changer” for Saudi Arabia’s mining industry? SULTAN J SHAWLI: Due to their bulky nature, the main way to transport rock and mineral products is by rail. Railroads have become vital to Saudi Arabia’s mineral industry, especially as phosphate deposits and other viable reserves are located in remote locations. A rail network provides a cost-effective means to transport phosphate concentrate for processing and export.…