Saudi: Minerals-rich Asir Boosts National Industries

The Asir region, spread over 81,000 km², is rich in metallic minerals, such as gold and copper, and non-metallic minerals, such as lightweight aggregates and granite. The region contains over 34 kinds of minerals.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, the value of the minerals in Asir is estimated at SAR240 billion. Zinc is estimated at SAR78.7 billion, gold at SAR73.9 billion, copper at SAR60.9 billion, and silver at SAR22.5 billion.

The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 places great importance on the metal and mining sector, aiming to maximize the sector’s contribution to the GDP, improve the trade balance, achieve the sustainability of the sector, and generate job opportunities.

The sector is expected to become the third pillar of the Saudi industry, after oil and gas, and chemical industries, according to the ministry.