Department of Mineral Resources and Rock

he Department of Mineral Resources and Rocks at the Faculty of Earth Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, was established in 1987 after merging three departments: the Department of Mineralogy and Petrology, the Department of Geochemistry, and the Department of Economic Geology. The department focuses on studying minerals and rocks, which are a fundamental part of the Kingdom’s natural resources. It contributes to providing the knowledge and skills necessary for the scientific and safe exploration and development of these resources. The department aims to prepare specialized human resources in economic geology, emphasizing the study of different types of minerals and rocks, their extraction methods, and the sustainable management of natural resources. The academic program includes studies on mineral exploration, rock analysis, mining techniques, and the geology of sedimentary, metamorphic, and volcanic rocks. Moreover, the department integrates theoretical knowledge with practical applications through advanced laboratories and equipment, offering hands-on training in mineral and rock exploration and the use of modern techniques in mining and geological analysis. The department also offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs to meet the needs of local and international markets in mineral resource