Saudi Arabia has witnessed a notable surge in the issuance of new mining exploitation licenses, with a recorded 144 percent increase during the first half of 2025 compared to the corresponding period in the previous year.

The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources reported that it granted a total of 22 exploitation and small-mine licenses within this six-month timeframe, up from nine in H1 2024, signifying a substantial investment exceeding SR134 million ($35.7 million).The remarkable growth in mining licenses is attributed to the series of reforms implemented by the government with the aim of enhancing the overall investment environment within the mining sector.

This sector has emerged as a critical component of Saudi Arabia's economic diversification strategy.

According to Ministry spokesperson Jarrah Aljarrah, 23 mining companies successfully obtained licenses during H1 2025.

Out of these, 16 were awarded their first-ever mining license.The total licensed areas cover an expanse of 47 square kilometers and are projected to yield annually approximately 7.86 million tons of various minerals including salt, clay, silica sand, low-grade iron ore, feldspar, and gypsum.

Notably, as of June 2025, the Kingdom possessed a total of 239 active exploitation and small-mine licenses, with 32 of these being category A licenses for strategic minerals such as gold, copper, phosphate, and bauxite.

The remaining 207 licenses fall under category B, covering industrial minerals like silica sand, gypsum, limestone, salt, and clay.The Ministry reaffirmed its dedication to the expansion of the mining sector as a vital component in shaping Saudi Arabia's industrial future.

It envisions unlocking an estimated SR9.4 trillion ($2.5 trillion) worth of untapped mineral resources, thereby positioning this sector as the third pillar of the country's industrial economy.