Riyadh, March 18, 2025 – The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources has announced that Saudi Arabia reached a significant milestone in its mining sector, with the number of valid mining licenses soaring to 2,401 by the end of 2024. These licenses span a wide array of categories, including mining, exploration, reconnaissance, building materials quarries, and small mine operations, reflecting the country’s growing investment in its vast mineral resources.
According to the 2024 Mining Sector Indicators Bulletin, published by the National Industrial and Mining Information Center, the lion’s share of these licenses—1,481 in total—were issued for building materials quarries. This category underscores the importance of the construction and infrastructure industries in Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification strategy. Following building materials quarries, exploration licenses came in second with 642 issued, highlighting the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to discover and assess its untapped mineral wealth.
Further licenses were granted for mining and small mining exploitation operations (215), reconnaissance activities (41), and surplus mineral ore extraction (22). These figures reveal a comprehensive approach to resource development, with an emphasis on both the immediate and long-term potential of Saudi Arabia's mineral assets.
The 2024 Mining Sector Indicators Bulletin serves as a vital tool for monitoring developments within the Kingdom’s mining industry. By tracking both existing and newly issued licenses, the bulletin offers detailed insights into the scope and growth of the sector across different regions of Saudi Arabia. The data provided helps promote transparency and enables stakeholders—including investors, government officials, and decision-makers—to make informed choices that contribute to the sustainable growth of the mining sector.
This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to leverage its mineral resources in line with Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil revenues. By supporting the development of the mining sector, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a global player in the extraction and processing of a wide range of minerals, all while maintaining a commitment to sustainable and responsible resource management. The mining sector is set to play a pivotal role in the Kingdom's economic future, contributing to job creation, regional development, and overall economic stability.