Saudi Arabia recorded a 220% increase in new mining exploitation licences in 2025, underscoring accelerating momentum in the Kingdom’s push to develop the sector as a core pillar of economic diversification. The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources issued 61 licenses during the year, up from 19 in 2024.
Total investment linked to the new projects exceeded SAR 44 billion, targeting the extraction of high-value minerals including gold and phosphate. Officials attributed the surge to regulatory reforms, streamlined licensing procedures and rising investor confidence aligned with Vision 2030 objectives.
Saudi Arabia has also strengthened its global standing, climbing to 23rd place in the Fraser Institute’s Mining Investment Attractiveness Index, reflecting sustained exploration spending and efforts to build an integrated, innovation-driven mining ecosystem.
Gulf Economist Staff Writer