The Saudi Geological Survey Authority has recently announced the release of new and highly advanced data packages, each exceeding a total volume of 10 terabytes, containing comprehensive geological information. This initiative is part of the Kingdom’s broader strategy to enhance the value of its national mineral sector and to further strengthen the diversified foundations of the economy under Vision 2030. The data packages encompass an extensive range of geological details, including the locations of mineral deposits, drilling sites, and discovered wells, offering researchers, investors, and industry experts a comprehensive and reliable database to support strategic planning and informed decision-making in mineral exploration.
A spokesperson for the Saudi Geological Survey, *Tariq Aba Al-Khail, explained that these new packages represent a continuation of the authority’s previous efforts to expand and modernize the Kingdom’s geological information infrastructure. The updated datasets include results from twelve major geological projects, incorporating high-resolution spectrometric surveys of core drilling samples across nearly 20 kilometers of the *Arabian Shield. This latest information has already been made available through the Kingdom’s National Geological Information Portal, providing stakeholders with timely access to the most detailed and accurate geological data available.
The new datasets also include chemical analyses of over 88,000 surface samples collected under standard geological exploration programs. These analyses cover 57 different chemical elements and provide detailed spectrometric data for specific minerals, significantly enhancing the potential for identifying new mineral deposits and improving exploration efficiency. According to Aba Al-Khail, this high-level analytical information offers investors and scientists a consolidated view of mineral resources, enabling informed decisions and fostering opportunities for new discoveries in the mineral sector.
The National Geological Database now integrates results from geological mapping at various scales, geochemical and geophysical surveys, and detailed information on mineral locations, forming a rich repository that supports investment and exploration activities across the Kingdom. The newly released data also features satellite imagery, magnetic surveys, ultraviolet-resolved maps, and high-resolution spectrometric images covering areas exceeding 100 kilometers, ensuring that all regions of the Arabian Shield are comprehensively mapped and covered with up-to-date geological and mineral information.
These efforts have already yielded tangible recognition for the Kingdom on the international stage. Due to the transparency, accuracy, and accessibility of its geological data, Saudi Arabia’s position in the Global Mineral Investment Attractiveness Index rose dramatically from 104th to 23rd in 2024. This leap reflects not only improvements in data quality and reliability but also the Kingdom’s commitment to global standards in geological governance and investment facilitation.
Aba Al-Khail noted that the National Geological Database has now become a trusted reference in the international scientific community. Over 800 institutions, universities, research centers, and mining companies from more than 60 countries have accessed and utilized this data, highlighting the authority’s role in promoting geological transparency and strengthening Saudi Arabia’s credibility in the global mineral research and investment landscape.
By providing open access to these high-quality geological datasets, the Kingdom is enabling investors to make well-informed decisions, enhancing transparency, and creating a more favorable environment for mineral investment. With the availability of both contemporary and historical geological data across more than a dozen categories, Saudi Arabia has secured a prominent position in the global management of geological information. These new data packages not only support current mineral management but also pave the way for discovering new resources, promoting industrial development, and opening significant opportunities for investment, positioning the Kingdom as a leader in the global mineral sector.