The plans are an extension of the joint strategic action between Sudan and Saudi Arabia JEDDAH: As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources organized a forum to explore investment opportunities for the exploitation of mineral resources in Sudan. The opening address by Khalid Al-Falih, the minister of energy, industry and mineral resources, was delivered on his behalf by Khalid bin Saleh Al-Madifar, deputy minister of energy, industry and mineral resources for mining affairs. Al-Falih said that King Salman and the crown prince place great emphasis on the Kingdom’s mining sector — an important part of Vision 2030 as the country seeks to develop energy, industry and mineral resources through the implementation of 42 initiatives. The aim is to restructure the sector and raise the GDP from $17 billion to $64 billion and create 160,000 job opportunities by 2030. Al-Falih said that the Kingdom has an advantage in being one of the leading players in the mining sector, helped mostly by its geographical location, free economy, the availability of energy and infrastructure, as well as ample land which is rich in mineral resources valued at $1.3 trillion.