JEDDAH: Investors in the Kingdom’s mineral resources have made a profit of SR5.4 billion from their investments worth SR50 billion, according to a report issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources.

The report, which has been presented to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah by Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Ali Al-Naimi, said investors had exploited minerals worth SR14.5 billion.

The number of licenses issued by the ministry in the mineral sector increased to 1,408 by the end of 2008, the report pointed out. “Those who have obtained the licenses have exploited 325 million tons of raw minerals, registering a 15 percent increase compared to the previous year,” the report said.

The ministry made a revenue of SR264 million from fees charged for exploiting minerals across the country by 750 investors.

Sultan Shawali, deputy minister for mineral affairs, said the ministry was making continuous efforts to develop the mineral sector. He praised the support of King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan to this vital sector.

“The higher authorities have instructed the ministry to plan and demarcate all regions reserved for mineral activity in order to monitor the area and prevent transgression,” Shawali said.

“This instruction reflects the Saudi leadership’s desire to protect the Kingdom’s mineral resources,” he pointed out.

The ministry has completed the demarcation of 4,900 sq. km area allocated for exploiting silica sand.

The ministry’s officials had conducted more than 800 field trips to follow up activities of investors licensed to exploit mineral resources in various parts of the country and make sure they follow the technical and environmental regulations.

Shawali said there are 254 mineral activity centers across the Kingdom with a total area of 53,000 sq. km.

He said the mineral exploited during 2008 helped in the production of 4,527 kg of gold, 8,232 kg of silver, 1,465 tons of copper, 3,663 tons of zinc, 31.8 million tons of cement, 2.3 million tons of gypsum, 32.3 million square meters of ceramic, 2.6 million pieces of hygienic materials, 1.6 million tons of salt, 581,000 tons of raw iron and 1.2 million tons of granite and marble.