About
Overview
The Faculty of Mining (formerly the Faculty of Earth Sciences) is one of the oldest educational institutions specializing in applied geological sciences in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was established in 1390 AH (1970 AD) under the name of the Center for Applied Geology, affiliated with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). At the time, the center was established to train Saudi geologists in the fields of field geology and mineral exploration, qualifying them for Higher Diploma, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees. Over the years, various academic departments were established to meet the evolving needs of national development. The Department of Hydrogeology was added in 1392 AH (1972 AD), followed by the Technical Training Department in 1393 AH (1973 AD), which provided technical training to personnel working at the Directorate General of Mineral Resources in various technical fields. In 1394 AH (1974 AD), the Department of Engineering Geology was established. In 1397 AH (1977 AD), the Center became affiliated with King Abdulaziz University under the name of the Institute of Applied Geology. In 1398 AH (1978 AD), the Institute and the Department of Geology at King Abdulaziz University were merged under the name of the Faculty of Earth Sciences. The Faculty’s academic programs have undergone significant development over the years. It was among the pioneering university faculties in the Kingdom to introduce Master’s and Doctoral programs, earning the Faculty a distinguished international reputation. In 1448 AH (2026 AD), continuing its long-standing journey of development and advancement, the academic restructuring of the Faculty of Mining was officially approved, and the name of the Faculty of Earth Sciences was changed to the Faculty of Mining. This marked the beginning of a new phase for the Faculty, aligned with the rapid development of the mining sector in the Kingdom. The new academic structure comprises the Department of Earth Sciences and Geophysics and the Department of Mining Engineering, strengthening the integration between Earth sciences and mining engineering. It also reaffirms the Faculty’s commitment to developing national competencies, advancing scientific research, and supporting the mining and mineral resources sector in the Kingdom. The Faculty of Mining is distinguished among universities in the Kingdom and the Arab world by offering a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Geology across several fields, including Mineral Resources, Hydrogeology, Engineering and Environmental Geology, Petroleum and Sedimentary Geology, Geophysics, Structural Geology and Remote Sensing, and Geological Exploration Technology. Through its distinctive academic disciplines, the Faculty contributes to preparing highly qualified professionals capable of utilizing the natural resources endowed to the Kingdom, in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and in support of the Kingdom’s ongoing development and economic growth.
Vision
To make the Faculty of Mining a regional and global reference for research and studies and contribute to preparing competencies that meet the needs of the labor market in the fields of mining and earth sciences.
Strategic plan
In line with the Faculty of Mining (formerly the Faculty of Earth Sciences)’ clear commitment to building on its successive achievements, the Strategic Plan (2025–2030) was developed through a strategic developmental planning process aimed at fulfilling the Faculty’s mission and advancing its future vision. The plan aligns with the Faculty’s ongoing development efforts across all its programs and initiatives. Accordingly, it takes into consideration the overarching strategic directions and challenges, with the aim of achieving a qualitative transformation that advances the Faculty’s mission in the educational, research, and community domains. The Strategic Plan project also receives the full support and attention of the President of King Abdulaziz University and the University’s senior leadership. As part of the Faculty’s dedicated efforts to implement this project, and in recognition of the importance of assessing the current situation as a fundamental basis for developing its future strategic plan, the Dean of the Faculty issued a decision to establish a committee responsible for preparing the Faculty of Mining Strategic Plan (2025–2030). The committee subsequently undertook the tasks assigned to it.
for more
Institutional and Academic Accreditation
Academic accreditation is the fundamental pillar for ensuring quality and excellence in performance. It enhances public trust in the outcomes of educational institutions. It also reflects the university's commitment to global standards, ensuring the quality and effectiveness of education and academic content. This contributes to the preparation of highly qualified individuals who meet the needs of the labor market and support the achievement of sustainable development and future aspiration
for more
Last Modified Date: 28/09/2026 - 1:51 PM Saudi Arabia Time