Khaled Al Hosani, the Director of the Geological and Mineral Resources Department at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, highlighted the significant potential of the mining sector in the UAE.
In response, the ministry has introduced the nation’s inaugural mineral wealth strategy, a collaborative effort involving local authorities and the private sector. This strategy is designed to align with global and regional trends.
Al Hosani’s Keynote at the 8th Fujairah Mining Forum
Al Hosani delivered this statement during the eighth edition of the Fujairah International Mining Forum and its associated exhibition, held from the 26th to the 28th of September, focusing on the theme of “Mining Investment, Sustainable Development.” The event was held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member, and Ruler of Fujairah.
In his conversation with the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Al Hosani emphasized the ministry’s ambitious targets for the mining sector.
These objectives include increasing its contribution to non-oil GDP to 5 percent by 2030, expanding the number of companies in the mining and manufacturing industries, enhancing the sector’s added value, increasing related exports by 2026, as well as replacing imports in the mining extraction industry valued at approximately $558M with domestic products by 2026.
Ministry’s 2030 UNESCO Goals for Geological Reserves
The ministry also aims to declare six geological reserves in collaboration with relevant authorities and register them with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) by 2030, among other goals.
“The ministry has conducted geological and mineral surveys, produced geological maps, and built a geological and geophysical database. The first mineral survey was carried out in 1975, resulting in the preparation of various geological maps. From 2002 to 2006, modern geological maps were developed for mountainous regions and adjacent areas through detailed geological studies, including fieldwork,” he added.
Between 2006 and 2012, the second stage of the survey was finalized, encompassing the remaining regions of the nation. During this phase, more than 47 geological maps, available in both paper and digital formats, were created, according to WAM.
Approximately 20 expert reports, addressing diverse geological aspects, were also generated. Furthermore, the ministry established a comprehensive geological and geophysical database that encapsulates the findings and results of its geological and geophysical surveys.
