Saudi Arabia’s mining sector boosted by infrastructure developments

September 30th, 2010

Key infrastructure developments in Saudi Arabia are geared to the development of the kingdoms mining sector now targeted to become the third pillar of the Saudi economy after oil and petrochemicals.

Speaking at the recent Opportunity Arabia conference in London, Abdullah I. Abdulgader, Executive Director of project management and engineering at Ma’aden said “Government investment in infrastructure to promote diversification facilitates growth of the minerals industry and downstream opportunities.”

The three key infrastructure enhancements making this possible are the development of the Minerals industrial city along side the Jubail Industrial City on the East coast; the North-South Saudi rail road due for completion this month and the new seaport providing an export gateway for Saudi’s immense mineral resources.

Radical new government laws combined with these infrastructure enhancements are opening up tens of thousands of square kilometres of land containing minerals ranging from phosphates, gold, silver, lead and zinc, uranium to iron ore, copper, bauxite, coal and tungsten.

Abdullah I. Abdulgader of Ma’aden concluded in his presentation that Ma’aden were actively seeking partnership opportunities both domestically and internationally weather it be through joint ventures, investment, technology or suppliers of professional services.

MINING ARABIA 2011 will provide the definitive platform for global individuals, organisations and equipment and technical suppliers to focus on Saudi Arabias huge untapped minerals resources.

MINING ARABIA will take place from 1-4 October 2011 at the new Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre. To register or for more information please visit www.mining-arabia.com