Saudi Arabia has achieved a remarkable milestone by issuing a record number of new mining exploration licenses in the first half of 2025. Official data reveals a staggering 144% year-on-year increase, with a total of 22 licenses granted, marking a significant rise from just nine licenses issued during the same period last year. The surge reflects growing investor interest and the government’s commitment to enhancing the mining sector’s competitiveness.
Aligning with Vision 2030
This increase aligns with the rapid growth of the Kingdom’s mining industry, which serves as a central pillar in its Vision 2030 diversification strategy. Saudi Arabia aims to boost the sector’s contribution to gross domestic product from $17 billion to $75 billion by 2035. The government supports this effort by accelerating the exploration and development of the Kingdom’s estimated mineral wealth, valued at over SR9.4 trillion ($2.5 trillion).
Jarrah bin Mohammed Al-Jarrah, the official spokesman for the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, stated that 23 mining companies invested in the new licenses during the first half of this year. Notably, 16 of these companies obtained mining licenses for the first time. The total investment in these licenses exceeds SR134 million, covering an area of 47 square kilometers.
The spokesperson also highlighted that the projects associated with these licenses are expected to produce approximately 7.86 million tonnes annually of various mineral ores. These ores include salt, clay, silica sand, low-grade iron ore, feldspar, and gypsum.
Currently, the total number of active mining and small-mine exploitation licenses in the Kingdom stands at 239. This total includes 32 Category A licenses for strategic minerals such as gold, copper, phosphate, and bauxite. Additionally, there are 207 Category B licenses for industrial minerals, including silica sand, gypsum, limestone, salt, and clay.
Attracting Investments
Earlier in July, Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Khalid Al-Mudaifer informed Asharq Business that the Kingdom’s mining reforms have successfully attracted $32 billion in investments. These investments span projects involving iron, phosphate, aluminum, and copper. This amount represents nearly one-third of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious target to attract $100 billion in mining investments by 2030.
Al-Mudaifer emphasized that mineral exploration spending in the Kingdom has quadrupled since 2018. It now reaches $100 per square kilometer, with an impressive annual growth rate of 32%. This growth significantly surpasses the global average of 6 to 8%.
In summary, Saudi Arabia’s mining sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by strategic investments and government reforms, driving the Kingdom well on its way to achieving its ambitious goals outlined in Vision 2030.
