RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources issued 86 new mining licenses in April 2022, according to data from the National Industries and Mining Information Center. Out of the total, 68 were to build material quarries, while 13 were exploration licenses. The ministry also issued five surplus mineral ore licenses in April. According to the latest statistics, there are currently 2,126 active mining licenses within the sector in Saudi Arabia. Overall, there are 559 exploration licenses, 1,359 building material licenses, 164 exploitation licenses, 29 reconnaissance licenses, and 15 surplus mineral ore licenses.