Ongoing efforts to strengthen the mining sector in Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources issued 80 new mining licenses in March 2026, a strategic move within its ongoing efforts to develop the Kingdom's mining sector. This initiative aims to maximize the utilization of natural resources and contribute effectively to diversifying the national economy's sources of income away from traditional reliance on oil, aligning with modern economic aspirations.
Details of newly issued mining licenses
In detailing this announcement, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, Jarrah Al-Jarrah, clarified the precise distribution of these licenses. The new mining licenses included 49 exploration licenses, 20 licenses for building materials quarries, and 8 licenses for small-scale mining operations. The list also included two survey licenses and one license for surplus mineral resources. These figures are based on the monthly report issued by the National Center for Industrial and Mining Information, which is affiliated with the Ministry and monitors mining indicators on a regular basis.
Steady growth in total valid licenses
Regarding cumulative statistics, Al-Jarrah reported that the total number of valid mining licenses in the sector as of the end of February reached 3,017. Licenses for building materials quarries topped the list with 1,571, reflecting the significant construction activity in the Kingdom. These were followed by exploration licenses (1,075), then licenses for "mining and small-scale mining operations" (285). Survey licenses numbered 76, and finally, licenses for surplus mineral ores totaled 10, illustrating the wide variety of existing mining activities.
Legislative environment and types of mining licenses
The official spokesperson pointed out that the Mining Investment Law and its implementing regulations clearly define six main types of mining licenses to regulate the sector. These include an exploration license, which covers all types of minerals and is granted for two years, renewable. There is also a prospecting license for all types of minerals, which is valid for five years for minerals in categories A and B, and for one year for minerals in category C. Finally, there is a general-purpose license, which is closely linked to a small-scale mining or quarry license.
The surgeon added that the system also specifies licenses for exploitation, including mining licenses for categories A and B, with a maximum license period of 30 years, renewable or extended. Small-scale mining licenses for categories A and B are valid for a maximum of 20 years. For building materials quarries, specifically for category C minerals, the license period is 10 years, renewable. The system also includes a license for surplus mineral resources, granted at project sites or on privately owned land, ensuring the efficient exploitation of all available resources.
General context and historical background of the event
This significant expansion in the issuance of mining licenses falls within the broader context of Saudi Vision 2030. The Vision has positioned the mining sector as the third pillar of national industry, alongside the oil and petrochemical sectors. Historically, the Kingdom has sought to modernize its mining investment system to make it more attractive to both local and international investors, particularly following official estimates indicating that the value of untapped mineral resources in Saudi Arabia exceeds $2.5 trillion, including vital minerals such as gold, copper, phosphate, and uranium.
The importance of the event and its expected impact locally, regionally, and internationally
This announcement is of paramount importance on several levels. Locally, the issuance of these licenses will contribute to creating thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities for Saudi nationals and to developing the less developed regions where these mines are located. Regionally, the Kingdom is strengthening its position as a regional leader in the mining and metals industry, attracting further foreign direct investment to the Middle East. Internationally, Saudi Arabia’s mining sector plays a crucial role in stabilizing global supply chains, particularly with regard to strategic minerals that are in high demand for clean energy technologies, thus positioning the Kingdom as a key player in the future of the global green economy.
