Saudi Arabia has issued 61 mining license in 2025 whose worth is 44 billion riyals. In 2024, it was only 19 licenses, so growth is 220%.
 |
| Image Courtesy: Ministry of Industry and Minerals |
Total investment is 44 billions Saudi Riyals. It includes exploration of mineral resources which include gold and phosphate. Now total number of exploitation licenses in Saudi Arabia reached 275. It covers total area of 2160 square kilometer.
"The ministry will continue its efforts to enable mining investments and facilitate the investor journey for both local and international investors, in support of developing the mining sector, maximizing its returns, and achieving the goals of Vision 2030 to position the mining as the third pillar of national industry and a key driver of economic diversification." Jarrah bin Aljarrah, official spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources said.
Fraser institute issued Annual Survey of Mining Companies. In 2024, Saudi Arabia made a remarkable progress in IAI (Investment Attractiveness Index) from 114th to 23th place between 2013 to 2024 respectively.
2025 Mining Growth Glance:
| Metric | 2024 | 2025 | Growth / Total |
| New Licenses Issued | 19 | 61 | +220% |
| Total Active Licenses | - | 275 | Cumulative |
| Investment Value | - | > SAR 44B | New Projects |
| Total Area Covered | - | 2,160 km² | - |
Read This: Saudi Arabia Has Launched Round 3 of Exploration Enablement Program EEP
Economic Diversification (Non Oil GDP):
Mining is considered as third pillar of Saudi's GDP after oil and petrochemicals. Saudi goal is $64 billion in 2030 as of now is $17 billion.
KSA imports minerals which cost $20 billion. But now it will process bauxite and phosphate inside kingdom.
Job Creation and Regional Development:
Mining sector is expected to create 200,000 jobs direct and indirect. Ministry has "Exploration Enablement Program". Under this many mining giants companies like Barrick or vale will come and transfer technology and skills here in kingdom. The KSA is building "Mining Cities" to connect remote mining area with these cities.
Post a Comment