During the Future Minerals Forum (FMF), Mining Saudi Arabia had the privilege of meeting one of the most respected figures in the Kingdom’s geological community, Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Laboun, widely recognized as the Sheikh of Saudi geologists. In this conversation, he shared profound insights into the essence of geology, its impact on human life, and its central role in the future of mining in Saudi Arabia.
Interviewer: Sheikh Abdul Aziz, to begin with, how would you briefly define geology? And what led you to dedicate your life to this field?
Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Laboun:
Geology is the “science of sciences.” Everything around us is connected to geology, directly or indirectly. Human prosperity and survival after the will of God depend on geology: water, oil, gas, and minerals. These resources cannot be discovered or developed without geologists.
Even natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and rockfalls fall within the domain of geology. Gold, silver, and precious stones are all geological. Simply put, everything around us is geology.
Interviewer: What message would you like to share about the importance of geology in our daily lives?
Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Laboun:
Geology influences every aspect of human life. One of its important branches is medical geology. The environment in which a person is born and lives can directly affect their health. Many diseases and certain physical conditions may be linked to elements present in surrounding rocks.
There are radioactive elements and other natural components that can impact human health in different ways. Medical geology helps us understand the relationship between the earth and human well-being, contributing to prevention and treatment strategies.
Interviewer: What is the relationship between geology and mining? Is the geologist the foundation of mining operations?
Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Laboun:
Minerals are, in essence, rocks within the earth. The geologist is the one who searches for them, identifies their locations, and evaluates their potential. Exploration, whether in mining or oil, begins with geology.
Geologists lay the scientific foundation for extraction and development. Without geological work, there can be no mining industry.
Interviewer: We are witnessing significant growth in Saudi Arabia’s mining sector, especially with the integration of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence. How do you view this transformation?
Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Laboun:
The world’s demand for minerals is increasing, while resources are gradually declining. Modern exploration methods are therefore essential.
The use of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence is positioning Saudi Arabia to become a global source of minerals. What we are witnessing today is a strategic transformation that strengthens the Kingdom’s role in the global mining sector.
Interviewer: A final message to participants and young professionals interested in geology?
Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Laboun:
I am merely a student of knowledge. I learn from everyone, visitors, experts, and officials. Knowledge is vast, and geology continues to evolve every day.
This conversation during FMF highlights the profound importance of geology not only as a scientific discipline but also as a cornerstone of economic development, environmental understanding, and the Kingdom’s mining future.
