Saudi Arabia has announced the opening of applications for mining exploration licenses in the Riyadh and Madinah areas. This initiative, covering 24,946 sq. km, is part of a broader plan by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources. They intend to release licenses for over 50,000 sq. km in 2025. The announcement was made during the 4th International Mining Conference held in January.
The government is inviting both domestic and international mining companies to apply for these exploration permits. The goal is to expedite the discovery and development of the Kingdom’s abundant mineral resources. With an estimated mineral wealth of SR9.3 trillion, Saudi Arabia is focused on building robust supply chains for minerals. These minerals will play a key role in diversifying its economy.
The exploration zones include three mineral-rich areas: Nuqrah and Sukhaybrah Al-Safra in Madinah, as well as Nabitah in Riyadh. These regions are abundant in valuable minerals, including gold, copper, silver, zinc, and nickel. Such resources present promising opportunities for investors in the mining sector.
The pre-qualification process for these licenses will remain open until May. To ensure fairness and transparency, the Ministry has made all geological and technical information available on the Tadeen platform. This platform provides data from previous geological surveys conducted by the Saudi Geological Survey Authority. As a result, it offers potential investors valuable insights into the sites.
The licensing process has been streamlined and automated to ensure a smooth and transparent experience. It will be conducted in three distinct phases: pre-qualification, site selection and bidding, and the final award and licensing phase. The pre-qualification stage, which started in January, will continue until early May.
In addition to these measures, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, in partnership with the Ministry of Investment, has introduced the second phase of the Mining Exploration Empowerment Program. This program provides financial backing of up to SR7.5 million for companies with active exploration licenses held for under five years. This initiative is designed to reduce risks and stimulate investment in the sector.
Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in mining, with over 10,000 sq. km allocated for exploration in recent years. The forthcoming release of 50,000 sq. km of land in 2025 signals the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment. They aim to create an appealing investment climate for the mining industry. These initiatives align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes mining as a key contributor to economic diversification and sustainable growth.
