South African official says work ongoing with Saudi Arabia to ease mining operations

South Africa is working closely with Saudi Arabia, through a number of government entities in the field of geology and laboratory research, to establish mining operations to transfer its long-standing experience to the Kingdom, Director-General at South Africa's Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, Jacob Mbele, said.

In an interview with Argaam on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF), Mbele explained that many mining services companies in South Africa are actively participating in the forum. They are also opening offices in the Kingdom to further support the development of the mining sector in the region. 

On the importance of the mining sector to the South African economy, he said that his government aims to attract investment and boost competitiveness by enhancing geological data for mining exploration.

The minister also referred to the implementation of the Exploration Strategy for the Mining Industry of South Africa to provide the necessary funding and work on logistical facilities to transport minerals overseas.

South Africa boasts a variety of minerals, including platinum, vanadium, chromium, manganese, and high-quality iron ore, Mbele said, adding that his country contributes significantly to the provision of platinum as it has more than 90% of the metal’s mining resources.