About

Overview

The School of Mines (formerly the Faculty of Earth Sciences) is one of Saudi Arabia’s oldest academic institutions specializing in applied geological sciences. Its history dates back to 1970, when it was established as the Centre for Applied Geology under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The Centre was established to train Saudi geologists in field geology and mineral exploration, offering advanced diploma, master’s, and doctoral programs. Over the following years, new academic and technical departments were introduced to address the Kingdom’s evolving development needs. The Department of Hydrogeology was established in 1972, followed by the Technical Training Department in 1973 to provide specialized training for technical personnel working at the Directorate General of Mineral Resources. In 1974, the Department of Engineering Geology was added. In 1977, the Centre became affiliated with King Abdulaziz University under the name Institute of Applied Geology. In 1978, the Institute was merged with the University’s Department of Geology to form the Faculty of Earth Sciences. Since then, the Faculty has undergone significant academic development, becoming one of the pioneering faculties in the Kingdom to introduce master’s and doctoral programs in its fields of specialization. It has also established a distinguished international reputation in geological education and research. In 2026, as part of its ongoing commitment to academic development and institutional advancement, the University approved a new academic structure and changed the Faculty of Earth Sciences’ name to the School of Mines. This transformation marks a new chapter in the School’s history, aligning its academic direction with the rapid growth of the mining sector in Saudi Arabia and internationally recognized best practices. The new structure comprises two departments: the Department of Earth Sciences and Geophysics, and the Department of Mining Engineering. This integration strengthens the connection between earth sciences and mining engineering, reinforcing the School’s commitment to developing national talent, advancing scientific research, and supporting the Kingdom’s mining and mineral resources sector. The School of Mines is distinguished among universities in Saudi Arabia and the Arab world by its undergraduate programs in Applied Geology, which encompass several specialized fields: Mineral Resources, Hydrogeology, Engineering and Environmental Geology, Petroleum Geology and Sedimentology, Geophysics, Structural Geology and Remote Sensing, and Geological Exploration Technology. Through these specialized academic programs, the School seeks to prepare highly qualified professionals equipped with the scientific knowledge and technical expertise required for the responsible exploration, assessment, and development of the Kingdom’s natural resources. Its educational and research mission supports the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and contributes to the sustainable development of the nation’s mining sector and mineral resources.