Saudi Arabia has over 5,000 mineral-rich sites: survey

Saudi Arabia contains 5,300 sites rich in mineral resources, including iron, nickel, and chromium, Al Watan newspaper, citing Tariq Aba Al-Khail, spokesman for the kingdom's Geological Survey Authority.

Al-Khail referenced the latest Saudi Geological Survey, which also includes a map that reveals the locations of the mineral-rich sites across the country.

The sites also contain other elements such as platinum, zinc, lead, copper, phosphates, bauxite, limestone, kaolinite, gypsum, silica sand, among others.

The authority, which handles research, exploration and technical studies, will submit its findings to Saudi ministry of petroleum’s deputy ministry for mineral resources. The ministry is responsible for granting mining licenses to investors.

Al Watan added that Saudi Arabia is currently exploiting about 3 to 5 percent of its mineral wealth.