Launch of the Saudi College of Mining: The first of its kind regionally to support Vision 2030

the Saudi College of Mining was launched , aiming to qualify and train specialized national talent in this vital sector. This launch comes as a culmination of the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to develop educational and professional infrastructure, and to bridge the gap between educational outcomes and the needs of the growing labor market in the mining and manufacturing industries.

A key pillar of the Kingdom's Vision 2030

This significant event cannot be separated from the broader context of Saudi Vision 2030 , which has established the mining sector as the third pillar of Saudi industry, alongside oil, gas, and petrochemicals. Through the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), the Kingdom is working to maximize the value generated by the mining sector and leverage the vast natural resources that abound in the Kingdom's lands. The establishment of this college serves as the academic and training arm that will supply this sector with qualified personnel trained to the highest international standards.

Vast mineral wealth requires national expertise

Official estimates indicate that Saudi Arabia possesses untapped mineral resources valued at approximately $1.3 trillion (equivalent to 5 trillion Saudi riyals), including strategic minerals such as gold, phosphate, bauxite, copper, and rare earth minerals. To extract and process these resources locally and maximize economic benefit, the urgent need arose for a specialized educational institution like the Saudi College of Mining. This institution would ensure that Saudi nationals are the primary drivers of this industrial development, rather than relying entirely on foreign expertise.

College goals and its future impact

The college is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Kingdom's workforce, focusing on providing high-quality training programs that emulate the latest technologies used in global mines and factories. The college's strategic objectives include the following:

• Job localization: Raising localization rates in technical and specialized jobs in the mining sector.
• Occupational safety: Establishing a culture of occupational safety and health in accordance with international standards.
• Strategic partnerships: Strengthening cooperation between the government sector and major companies such as “Ma’aden” to ensure the employment of graduates.

The launch of this college is not just an addition to vocational training institutions, but also a declaration of the Kingdom’s readiness to lead the mining sector regionally and globally, relying on the capabilities and competence of its people in managing their country’s natural resources.