Saudi Arabia Taps into Mineral Riches in Arabian Shield

Saudi Arabia is focusing on its vast mineral resources, aiming to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on oil. The country's geological centrepiece is the Arabian Shield, a ancient rock formation spanning over 2.15 million square kilometres of western Saudi Arabia.

The shield contains an estimated $2.5 trillion worth of minerals, including gold, silver, copper, zinc, lead, chromium, nickel, tantalum, niobium, and rare earths. The northern phosphate basin holds approximately two billion tonnes of phosphate ore, making Saudi Arabia one of the top phosphate-rock sovereigns alongside Morocco and China.

Saudi Aramco and Maaden have signed a joint venture deal to explore the Transition Zone, also known as Zone 4, which runs parallel to the Arabian Shield. This zone is believed to contain copper deposits, among other valuable minerals.

Experts say that developing these resources can create new exports while supplying industries growing at home. A robust mining sector in Saudi Arabia could also provide self-reliance and bypass geopolitical crises that disrupt trade.