المملكة: The Kingdom is able to lead the world in future minerals

“Geology is an open book … and its real laboratory is the field” in this phrase, Dr. Mustafa Mohamed Hariri, academic and specialist in the science of earth, summarized the philosophy of his scientific and professional career that spanned more than three decades in the service of the geology and knowledge sector, stressing that the earth still reveals its secrets to those who seek to discover it with the eyes of the researcher and the mind of the world.
Dr. Hariri is a retired university professor from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, in which he worked for 27 years, during which he held several academic and administrative positions.
After his retirement, Hariri continued the academic giving as a non -full professor with King Abdulaziz University, and he is currently working as a business consultant to the Saudi Geological Survey.
During his participation in the meetings of the Authority’s Scientific Consultative Council, Dr. Hariri expressed his optimism about the role that the council could play in supporting and directing geological research, exploratory work and geological tasks of the authority.

The Kingdom is considered one of the richest countries in the world in geological diversity

He said: “I was among the team that worked on the proposal to establish the scientific council, and I benefited from my previous experience at King Fahd University, which was one of the first Saudi universities in establishing a scientific advisory council, and the Council will present strategic proposals to support the scientific directions of the authority, and develop its research and development work.”
He added that these councils represent the voice of academic and practical experience, and contribute to drawing a road map for scientific bodies, in proportion to the requirements of the future and the directions of the state.

Hariri stressed that today technology has become an integral part of excavations and geological studies, especially since digital progress helped build huge databases to analyze the Earth layers and draw maps of metal resources with high accuracy.
On the peculiarity of geology in the Kingdom, Dr. Hariri confirms that the Kingdom is one of the richest countries in the world in geological diversity, as it includes a rare assortment of rocks and terrestrial formations that are a reference for geology students and researchers from different countries.
He explained: “In the West, we have the Arab shield full of mineral wealth and fiery and transformed rocks, and in the east we find oil and gas deposits. This contrast makes the Kingdom an open geological book, and is one of the most prominent reasons for its uniqueness in the world.”
He notes that the Kingdom’s geology is also an educational resource, as it was and still is a destination for university students from the Gulf countries for field training, due to the appearance of rocks on the surface clearly, which is not available in other countries.

In light of global transformations towards clean energy and modern technologies, Dr. Hariri believes that the future of geology in the Kingdom will focus on exploring strategic minerals such as lithium and rare minerals.
He said: “The focus was in the past on gold and copper, but today there is a clear trend towards future minerals that enter the industry of advanced batteries and electronics, and this is a smart vision that keeps pace with the needs of the global economy.”
Hariri stressed that the Kingdom is able to be a key player in this market, thanks to the natural capabilities, government support and investment in scientific research.
Dr. Mustafa Mohamed Hariri concluded his speech by confirming that the land does not reveal its secrets for those who pass the honorable passage, but for those who read it well, understand its language, and be patient with its studies, asking God that this giving will continue for future generations, and that the Kingdom remain a pioneer in this field under its rational leadership.