The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues its rapid progress towards economic diversification and reducing its dependence on oil, with the Jazan region emerging as one of the most important strategic pillars of this transformation. The region is rich in diverse and valuable mineral resources, estimated to be worth more than 127 billion riyals, making it a prime destination for high-quality investments and a vital contributor to the national economy, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which positions the mining sector as the third pillar of national industry.
Geological diversity and promising resources
In highlighting the region's natural resources, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, Jarrah bin Mohammed Al-Jarrah, explained that Jazan possesses a unique geological formation that grants it a rich diversity of mineral resources. The region is home to numerous precious metals such as gold and copper, in addition to an abundance of industrial resources and building materials that form the basis for manufacturing and construction industries.
The surgeon revealed the current scale of mining activity, stating that the number of valid mining licenses in the region has reached 63, covering a total area estimated at 45.54 square kilometers. Investments in these licenses amount to 4 billion riyals, in addition to the presence of 11 mining complexes with a total area of 221.04 square kilometers, reflecting the high investment appeal of the sector in the region.
Heavy industries and global standing
Jazan's importance extends beyond raw material extraction; it is also witnessing growing industrial activity aimed at maximizing added value. The region includes high-quality projects that are placing the Kingdom on the global map, most notably:
- ASEC plant: It includes the world’s largest smelter for the production of titanium, with an annual production capacity of up to 500,000 tons of titanium concentrates and 250,000 tons of sponge iron, which are vital materials used in advanced industries such as aircraft manufacturing.
- “Solid Steel” factory: It is a key pillar of the iron and steel industry, with a production capacity of one million tons per year of steel billets and reinforcing steel.
Logistics and strategic infrastructure
Jazan enjoys an exceptional strategic location on the Red Sea coast, near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital global trade route through which approximately 13% of world trade passes. This location has underscored the importance of Jazan City for Basic and Downstream Industries, a 266-square-kilometer industrial zone that attracts over 113 billion riyals in private sector investments.
The city's port, overseen by the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, serves as a global logistics gateway spanning 7 million square meters and boasting a handling capacity of 140 million tons. The visit of the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, to the region today underscores the government's ongoing support for the development of this integrated industrial and logistics system, further solidifying the Kingdom's position as a global hub for metal production and manufacturing.
