Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources announced a 220% year-on-year increase in new mining development permits issued in 2025, reflecting increased investor interest in exploring and developing the kingdom’s mineral resources, worth more than 9.4 trillion Saudi riyals ($2.5 trillion).
The ministry’s official spokesperson, Jarrah Al-Jara, said a total of 61 mining and small-scale mine development permits were issued in 2025, compared to 19 in 2024.
Investments related to the newly issued licenses exceeded SAR 44 billion ($11.7 billion) and targeted high-value minerals such as gold and phosphates.
By the end of 2025, the total number of valid mining licenses in Saudi Arabia reached 275, covering an area of approximately 2,160 square kilometers.
(Written by Majda Muhsen; Edited by Anoop Menon)
(anoop.menon@lseg.com)
Subscribe to Project’s PULSE newsletter, delivering trusted news, updates and insights on project activities, developments and partnerships across sectors in the Middle East and Africa.
