Saudi Arabia has recently opened the application process for mining exploration permits in the Riyadh and Madinah regions. This initiative covers a significant 24,946 sq. km as part of the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources’ larger plan to offer over 50,000 sq. km of exploration licenses in 2025. The move was first announced at the 4th International Mining Conference in January.
The Ministry is encouraging both local and international exploration companies to apply for these licenses, aiming to accelerate the exploration and development of the country’s mineral wealth. Saudi Arabia’s mineral resources are valued at SR9.3 trillion, and the government seeks to enhance value-added supply chains that support the diversification of its economy.
The mining exploration will focus on three key mineral-rich areas: Nuqrah and Sukhaybrah Al-Safra in the Madinah region, and Nabitah in Riyadh. These areas are known to be rich in resources such as gold, copper, silver, zinc, and nickel. This provides a great opportunity for investors in the mining sector to explore untapped potential.
The pre-qualification phase for the exploration licenses will run until May, and to ensure a transparent process, all essential geological and technical data is available on the Tadeen platform. This platform provides investors with valuable insights from previous geological surveys conducted by the Saudi Geological Survey Authority.
This initiative is part of the broader plan to promote the mining sector in Saudi Arabia, with the process being fully automated for fairness and efficiency. The mining exploration process will follow three phases: pre-qualification, site selection and bidding, and final award and licensing.
In addition, Saudi Arabia is launching the second phase of the Mining Exploration Empowerment Program. This program provides financial support of up to SR7.5 million for companies holding valid exploration licenses, helping to reduce risks for early-stage exploration ventures and encourage further investment in the mining sector.
The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 includes mining as a critical component of economic diversification. With these strategic initiatives, Saudi Arabia aims to position mining as a key industry for sustainable growth and development.
