RIYADH: The board of directors of the Saudi Geological Survey (SGS), headed by Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef, on Monday appointed Abdullah bin Muftar Al-Shamrani as its CEO. Al-Shamrani thanked the SGS board of directors and vowed to serve the interests of the country and achieve the goals set by the Kingdom’s leadership. Al-Shamrani obtained a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering at King Saud University in 1989. During his career spanning over three decades, he held several leadership positions in various companies such as the Arab Petrochemical Co., European Petrochemical Co., and the Jubail United Petrochemical Co. Saudi Arabia is collaborating with international partners to undertake a vast survey of the Kingdom’s mineral reserves, estimated to be worth $1.3 trillion. The Regional Geological Survey Program (RGP) aims to conduct a series of surveys over the next six years that are set to provide new opportunities for international mining investors. SPA Riyadh The plan has a budget of SR2 billion and is being driven by the SGS, which will survey an area of about 600,000 square kilometers across the geological formation known as the Arabian Shield. The survey represents a key component of the mining strategy that forms part of Saudi Vision 2030.