Saudi Mining Sector Records Unprecedented Growth in 2025
Number of exploitation licenses jumps by 220% as investments reach $11.7 billion, with export value at SR56 billion.
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia's mining sector experienced unprecedented growth in 2025, marked by a significant increase in the number of exploitation licenses and substantial investments, according to official data released by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources.
The exploration spending more than doubled year on year with a rise of 110%, while export value reached SR56 billion and total shipments were estimated at approximately 29 million tonnes.
The Kingdom's industrial sector also mirrored this upward trajectory, ending the year with a total number of factories reaching 12,946, including 10,394 operational facilities employing around 903,547 workers.
Saudization across the sector stood at 31%, underscoring ongoing efforts to strengthen workforce localization and develop local talent in alignment with Vision 2030 objectives.
According to the report, the total investment in new factories amounted to approximately SR76.1 billion, while investments in factories that commenced production were around SR31.2 billion in 2025.
More than 150 industrial investment opportunities were activated post the launch of a second package of standardized incentives aimed at attracting both local and international investors.
Saudi Arabia also made significant strides globally, improving its position in the Mining Investment Attractiveness Index from 104th place to 10th.
Strategic milestones included the establishment of specialized industrial clusters in Jeddah, Dammam, and Al-Kharj, as well as a Hyundai Motor Co. manufacturing facility with an annual production capacity of 50,000 vehicles.
These developments are expected to bolster localization efforts and strengthen supply chains.
The report emphasized digital transformation's role in the sector's evolution, noting that more than 1,800 factories benefited from Industry 4.0 initiatives supported by comprehensive assessments conducted by the ministry.
This included evaluations under the Smart Industry Readiness Index and advanced factory reviews aimed at improving efficiency, reducing waste, and accelerating the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies.
The achievements are a testament to the progress made against Vision 2030 performance targets, leading to the accreditation of Great Place To Work – Certified for the ministry.
Targeted talent development initiatives were also complemented through programs such as the qualification of 13 graduates under the YGP Graduate Development Program and advancements made by 58 individuals under the Qimam program, aiming to cultivate industrial and mining leaders in the Kingdom.
The exploration spending more than doubled year on year with a rise of 110%, while export value reached SR56 billion and total shipments were estimated at approximately 29 million tonnes.
The Kingdom's industrial sector also mirrored this upward trajectory, ending the year with a total number of factories reaching 12,946, including 10,394 operational facilities employing around 903,547 workers.
Saudization across the sector stood at 31%, underscoring ongoing efforts to strengthen workforce localization and develop local talent in alignment with Vision 2030 objectives.
According to the report, the total investment in new factories amounted to approximately SR76.1 billion, while investments in factories that commenced production were around SR31.2 billion in 2025.
More than 150 industrial investment opportunities were activated post the launch of a second package of standardized incentives aimed at attracting both local and international investors.
Saudi Arabia also made significant strides globally, improving its position in the Mining Investment Attractiveness Index from 104th place to 10th.
Strategic milestones included the establishment of specialized industrial clusters in Jeddah, Dammam, and Al-Kharj, as well as a Hyundai Motor Co. manufacturing facility with an annual production capacity of 50,000 vehicles.
These developments are expected to bolster localization efforts and strengthen supply chains.
The report emphasized digital transformation's role in the sector's evolution, noting that more than 1,800 factories benefited from Industry 4.0 initiatives supported by comprehensive assessments conducted by the ministry.
This included evaluations under the Smart Industry Readiness Index and advanced factory reviews aimed at improving efficiency, reducing waste, and accelerating the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies.
The achievements are a testament to the progress made against Vision 2030 performance targets, leading to the accreditation of Great Place To Work – Certified for the ministry.
Targeted talent development initiatives were also complemented through programs such as the qualification of 13 graduates under the YGP Graduate Development Program and advancements made by 58 individuals under the Qimam program, aiming to cultivate industrial and mining leaders in the Kingdom.
