RIYADH — Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Eng. Osama Al-Zamil, said that Saudi Arabia, in partnership with the Chinese Geological Survey, has started the geological survey project.

The project is mainly covering the Arabian Shield area, with the aim of identifying natural and mineral resources and encouraging investors to join excavation operations in the Kingdom.

Al-Zamil made his remarks at a panel on the sidelines of the 10th Arab-China Business Conference, which discussed mining as a main sector that will help keep pace with future developments.

He stressed that mineral wealth is the third pillar of industry in the Kingdom, after petrochemicals and oil, gas and hydrocarbons.

He added that since its inception, the Ministry focuses on developing the mineral sectors, particularly legislation related to them, and providing opportunities to investors in the mining sector.

He added that the Ministry strategy aims to stimulate growth in the mining and industry sectors by building local capacity and increasing exports, improving the investment environment in the industrial sector, and making the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources the point of reference for the mining and industrial sectors. — SPA