 |
| Foto:Muhammad Bin Salman Al Saud |
VISTORBELITUNG.COM,RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – In a landmark announcement that signals a major boost for its economic diversification ambitions, Saudi Arabia has revealed the discovery of significant mineral resources estimated at 11 million tonnes in the southern Najran region. The find includes substantial deposits of gold, copper, zinc, and silver, marking a pivotal moment for the Kingdom's burgeoning mining sector.
The most staggering aspect of this discovery is that these resources have been identified after exploratory drilling in just 10% of the licensed area. This suggests the potential for a far larger total resource base, positioning the Najran site as a future cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's mining industry.
The discovery was made in the Al-Khunayah area, approximately 300 kilometers southeast of Najran city. The preliminary estimates point to a rich and diverse mineral inventory, crucial for both traditional industries and modern technologies. The presence of copper and zinc, essential for renewable energy systems and electronics, aligns perfectly with global demand trends.
This find is a direct result of the Kingdom's intensified focus on its mineral wealth as a key pillar of its Vision 2030 economic transformation plan. The plan, championed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aims to reduce the nation's dependence on oil by developing new industrial sectors.
The fact that only 10% of the licensed area has been explored so far underscores the immense, untapped potential of Saudi Arabia's geology. The Kingdom is believed to have mineral resources valued at over $1.3 trillion, spread across a vast and underexplored landmass.
"This discovery in Najran is not just about the 11 million tonnes we've found; it's a powerful indicator of what else lies beneath," commented a mining analyst. "If this is what 10% yields, the full-scale development of this site could be transformative for the region and the national economy. It validates the government's strategy to aggressively map and exploit its mineral resources."
Economic Implications and Future Prospects
The development of the Najran site is expected to:
1. Attract Foreign Investment: The scale of the discovery will be a major draw for international mining giants and investors, providing them with the confidence to commit capital to Saudi projects.
2. Create Jobs and Boost Local Industry: The establishment of mines and related processing facilities will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, stimulating economic growth in the Najran region.
3. Strengthen Non-Oil Exports: Gold, copper, and zinc are globally traded commodities. Their production will significantly contribute to Saudi Arabia's non-oil export revenues, a core objective of Vision 2030.
4. Support Downstream Industries: The availability of raw materials like copper and zinc can foster the growth of domestic manufacturing sectors, such as wiring, electronics, and alloy production.
With exploratory drilling set to continue, the full scope of the Najran deposit will become clearer in the coming years. The Saudi government, through its Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, is streamlining regulations and offering incentives to accelerate the development of its mining sector.
The discovery in Najran is more than just a lucky strike; it is a testament to a strategic, state-led effort to unlock a new source of national wealth. As drilling rigs continue to probe the remaining 90% of the licensed area, the world will be watching, anticipating that this could be just the first chapter in Saudi Arabia's next great economic story.