What Natural Resources are Found in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a country abundant in natural resources The Kingdom sits on roughly 19% of the world´s proved oil reserves, and is the largest oil exporter of the OPEC (Organization for Petroleum Exporting Countries) grouping. It is a major provider of oil and gas to global markets, with estimates of nearly 260 billion barrels of proved crude oil reserves.
Petroleum
Oil and natural gas are both in high demand and in high supply in Saudi Arabia. The country is the second largest producer of petroleum liquids in the world behind the United States It ranks as the largest exporter of petroleum in the world and is a key member of the OPEC. Petroleum accounts for roughly 92% of the export revenue in the country.
Mineral Resources
Mineral resources in Saudi Arabia are significant and rnage from gold to baryte to other industrial minerals. The mining sector is one of the important sectors of Saudi Arabia. The Al Masane copper-zinc-gold-silver mine is the first active mine in the Kingdom and was launched in 2000. More than 12 minerals are mined in Saudi Arabia, the most important of which are gold, bauxite, phosphate, iron, copper, and sulphur. The Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden) is the main driver of non-petroleum-based economic development in the economy.
Agriculture
The agricultural sector of Saudi Arabia is primarily focused on water scarcity that affects the region. The country has made great progress in agricultural production since the 1980s, however, agriculture accounts for only a small percentage of the total GDP. The agricultural production of Saudi Arabia consists of various grains, vegetables, fruits, and livestock. In addition to traditional agriculture, aquaculture has become a major component, with shrimp and fish now making up a large part of the country’s agricultural production.
Renewable Energy Resources
The Kingdom has ambitious plans to increase its renewable energy mix, and is investing heavily in solar and wind energy projects. Renewable energy targets for 2030 include: 40 GW of renewable energy; 9.5 GW of solar; 9 GW of wind; and 2 GW of geothermal. The Renewable Energy Project Development Office (REPDO) is the Kingdom’s leading agency for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, with a portfolio of more than 400 projects.
Water Resources
Water resources in Saudi Arabia are limited in scope, but the country is taking steps to increase access to water. Saudi Arabia is among the countries in the world with the lowest water resources per capita. Despite this, the country has a large number of desalination plants, making it a leader in desalination technology. The government is also taking steps to manage water resources by emphasizing reuse and wastewater treatment, and by investing heavily in water conservation and efficiency projects.
Forest Resources
Forests account for less than 1% of the total land area in Saudi Arabia, but the country has set ambitious goals to increase forest cover. The government is actively encouraging reforestation, and has established several national parks and protected areas to preserve the fragile ecosystem of the region. Forest conservation efforts are focused on promoting sustainable timber harvesting and protecting biodiversity.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia is a country with abundant natural resources. It is a major producer and exporter of petroleum and is a significant player in the global energy market. The country also has a wealth of mineral resources, and is working to improve access to water and promote sustainable forestry. With a wealth of natural resources, Saudi Arabia is poised to be a leader in the global energy market for years to come.
