China-led geoscience projects in Saudi Arabia make substantial progress

The geoscience projects for which the China Geological Survey secured contracts in Saudi Arabia five years ago have seen substantial progress in geochemical exploration, geological mapping and database model design.

The results were released on Wednesday during the 4th Belt and Road International Geophysical Conference held from Tuesday to Thursday in Xi'an, Shaanxi province.

The projects, valued at 1.85 billion yuan ($260 million), have resulted in 4,600 geochemical maps that highlight promising mining areas and aid in Saudi Arabia's mineral exploration.

In addition, Saudi Arabia's first digital core repository has been set up and 75 geological maps at a 1:100,000 scale have been completed, discovering new mineralization points.

This effort has also established international standards for geological mapping and enhanced Saudi Arabia's laboratory capabilities.

A new database project launched this year has already completed its system evaluation and model design.

Guan Zhiou, the Chinese minister of natural resources, said on Tuesday during a meeting with his Saudi Arabian counterpart in Beijing that this year marks 35 years of China-Saudi Arabia relations. Cooperation between two sides should be enhanced in geological surveys, fighting desertification, and promoting environmentally friendly mining.

He also recommended establishing a mechanism for the exchange of geological talent and technology.