Modernizing Geological Survey Capabilities to Strengthen Mineral Discovery

A national geological survey organization in Saudi Arabia responsible for mapping, cataloguing, and disseminating information on mineral resources sought support to modernize its operating model. The organization played a critical role in enabling mineral exploration, guiding investment decisions, and informing national mining policies. However, legacy systems and processes limited its agility and responsiveness to the increasing demand for high-quality geological information from investors, operators, and government entities.

We designed a comprehensive modernization program for the geological survey organization, focusing on data integration, digital platforms, service delivery, and stakeholder engagement. A unified geological data repository was created, consolidating historical and recent datasets into standardized digital formats. We developed a user-centric online portal providing access to maps, datasets, and analytical tools tailored to investor and operator needs. Internal workflows were re-engineered to accelerate validation and publication cycles. Additionally, we defined service catalogues, performance standards, and collaboration mechanisms with industry and government stakeholders.

• Conducted an end-to-end review of data management practices, from field collection and laboratory analysis to storage, processing, and dissemination.
• Designed a centralized geological data model consolidating disparate sources into a single, structured repository with clear metadata standards.
• Developed a modern web-based portal allowing stakeholders to view, query, and download geological information, supported by intuitive visualization tools.
• Re-engineered internal workflows to reduce bottlenecks, including automation of quality checks, standardized review processes, and clear publication procedures.
• Established a service catalogue defining available products (maps, datasets, reports) and associated service-level commitments, alongside stakeholder engagement forums to gather feedback.

• Maintain continuous investment in digital infrastructure and data-management capabilities to ensure the geological repository remains current, secure, and scalable.
• Introduce premium analytical services and tailored data packages for investors and operators requiring specialized insights, under transparent pricing and access frameworks.
• Strengthen collaboration with universities and research institutes to leverage advanced analytical techniques and support talent development in geoscience.
• Implement regular user-satisfaction surveys and feedback loops to refine portal features, product offerings, and communication practices.
• Enhance internal capacity through training programs focused on digital tools, data governance, and customer-centric service delivery.

The modernization program reduced geological data publication lead times by 40%, significantly improving the organization’s responsiveness to stakeholder requests. The new portal increased external access to geological information, with user registrations rising by 52% within the first year. Consolidated and standardized datasets improved data reliability, reducing duplicate data-handling efforts by 30%. As a result, investors and operators reported improved confidence and faster decision-making cycles, contributing indirectly to stronger interest in exploration initiatives and supporting the broader mining investment agenda.