Saudi Arabia Records 144% Increase in New Mining Exploitation Licenses in H1 2025
The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources reports significant growth in mining sector licenses, driven by reforms aimed at boosting investment climate.
Saudi Arabia has witnessed a substantial increase in new mining exploitation licenses during the first half of 2025.
According to data released by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, there was a 144% surge compared to the same period last year, with 22 exploitation and small-mine licenses issued.
This represents a total investment exceeding SR134 million ($35.7 million), underscoring the kingdom's commitment to diversifying its economy through mineral resources.
The ministry attributes this growth to recent reforms aimed at enhancing the investment climate within the mining sector.
These reforms have facilitated the issuance of 23 mining licenses, including 16 companies obtaining their first-ever mining license.
The licensed areas span 47 square kilometers and are expected to produce annually 7.86 million tons of various minerals such as salt, clay, silica sand, low-grade iron ore, feldspar, and gypsum.
As of June 2025, Saudi Arabia hosts a total of 239 active exploitation and small-mine licenses.
Of these, 32 are category A licenses for strategic minerals including 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 of Industry and Mineral Resources remains dedicated to expanding the mining sector as a key component in shaping the kingdom's industrial future.
It aims to unlock an estimated SR9.4 trillion ($2.5 trillion) in untapped mineral resources, thereby positioning the sector as a third pillar of Saudi Arabia's industrial economy.
According to data released by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, there was a 144% surge compared to the same period last year, with 22 exploitation and small-mine licenses issued.
This represents a total investment exceeding SR134 million ($35.7 million), underscoring the kingdom's commitment to diversifying its economy through mineral resources.
The ministry attributes this growth to recent reforms aimed at enhancing the investment climate within the mining sector.
These reforms have facilitated the issuance of 23 mining licenses, including 16 companies obtaining their first-ever mining license.
The licensed areas span 47 square kilometers and are expected to produce annually 7.86 million tons of various minerals such as salt, clay, silica sand, low-grade iron ore, feldspar, and gypsum.
As of June 2025, Saudi Arabia hosts a total of 239 active exploitation and small-mine licenses.
Of these, 32 are category A licenses for strategic minerals including 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 of Industry and Mineral Resources remains dedicated to expanding the mining sector as a key component in shaping the kingdom's industrial future.
It aims to unlock an estimated SR9.4 trillion ($2.5 trillion) in untapped mineral resources, thereby positioning the sector as a third pillar of Saudi Arabia's industrial economy.
