«أرضنا» تكشف دور الجيولوجيا والتعدين في الاقتصاد الوطني

The Saudi Geological Survey has released the twenty-eighth issue of the annual scientific journal "Our Earth... Geology and Mining," which was published last August in both Arabic and English. The cover of this issue is titled "A Study on the Phases of Seismic Waves in the Al-Ays Volcanic Area." The issue contains diverse contributions from a group of specialists on various topics, including articles, studies, and pioneering scientific research in the fields of geology and mining, offering new insights and in-depth analyses of future trends in this sector to enhance the deep understanding of its vital importance to the national economy.

A Saudi Success Story

The issue opens with the topic "A Saudi Success Story... The Inclusion of North Riyadh and Salma Geopark in the UNESCO Global List," presented by the Executive Director of North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark, Eng. Hussam Al-Turki. He explained that both North Riyadh and the Geopark have been included in the global geopark lists of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), making Saudi Arabia one of the first Arab countries in the Middle East to host two global geopark sites, reflecting its leadership in preserving its geological heritage and unique diversity.

Under the title "Can Artificial Intelligence Replace Geologists?", AI expert in the energy sectors Dr. Salem Al-Gharbi pointed out that the development of technical capabilities is no longer an option but a necessity, and everyone must continuously strive to acquire artificial intelligence skills and apply them in daily work.

Geothermal Energy Production

Geological engineer Haitham Barinji, in the topic "A New Era in Exploring Geological Sources for Geothermal Energy Production in Saudi Arabia," stated that the exploration of geothermal sources must be evaluated geologically through geological studies that begin with the study of geological maps, as well as measuring geological structures such as faults and fractures, hydrological studies, and water analyses.

In the topic "The Role of the Geotechnical Laboratory in Ensuring Project Safety and Sustainability," the head of the Geotechnical Laboratory, Eng. Raed Al-Omari, highlighted the importance of the geology laboratory in studying the physical, mechanical, and geotechnical properties of soils and rocks to identify geological characteristics and their suitability for engineering projects.

Immense Mineral Wealth

Under the title "Earth Sciences and Mining in the Kingdom in Light of Vision 2030... A Bright Future Led by Science and Innovation," the Dean of the College of Earth Sciences at King Abdulaziz University, Prof. Dr. Badr Hakami, clarified that the mining sector in the Kingdom is distinguished as one of the largest promising sectors, especially with the presence of immense mineral wealth, including gold, phosphate, bauxite, copper, iron, and rare earth metals, which are gaining global importance in light of new trends towards advanced technology and renewable energy.

Under the title "Water Harvesting in the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve... Towards Sustainable Environmental Development," Professor of Environmental Science and Remote Sensing at Qassim University, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Dughayri, mentioned that the study is a scientific attempt to analyze the potential for water harvesting in the reserve through employing a comprehensive scientific approach that combines hydrological, environmental, and geophysical analysis, relying on remote sensing tools and geographic information systems to identify optimal harvesting locations and support biodiversity in natural habitats.

Under the title "Everything Around Us is Geology... Geology and the Environment," the founder and chairman of the Saudi Geologists Association, Prof. Dr. Abdulaziz bin Laboun, explained that geology is not just a science; it is a key to understanding the different environments of our planet and their complex interactions with humans, as it provides the tools to understand the past, control the present, and plan for a more stable future.

Archaeological Excavation Projects

The topic "Archaeological Excavation Projects at Ancient Mining Sites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," discussed by both the Director of Archaeological Excavation Operations at the Heritage Authority, Khalid Al-Zahrani, and Senior Excavation Operations Specialist at the Authority, Haib Al-Saihan, revealed that the archaeological work at the sites uncovered many results, documenting tools for metal smelting and mining methods, as well as documenting settlements and major mining sites with integrated infrastructure, including mosques, housing, and workplaces.

Regarding the "National Geological Information Database," the owner of the National Geological Information Database initiative at the Saudi Geological Survey, Eng. Mustafa Maki, noted that the database is one of the most important pillars of the comprehensive national mining strategy, as it provides multiple regional geological data that support decision-making for the exploitation of mineral resources.