JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia has granted 11 mining exploration permits to local and international companies for six sites under its Accelerated Exploration Program, which aims to unlock the Kingdom’s underutilized mineral resources. On Nov. 5, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources announced that the permits, covering a total area of 850 sq. kim across Riyadh, Makkah, and Asir, were awarded as part of a competitive licensing round designed to boost the country’s mineral sector. This initiative is aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the National Industry Development and Logistics Program. The recent competition concluded with one national company and five alliances consisting of 10 local and international firms being awarded the exploration rights. The competition was designed to maximize the value of the country’s mineral resources and expand the mining industry as a key pillar of the economy. Transforming the mining sector Saudi Arabia is aiming to transform mining into the third pillar of its industrial base, alongside oil and petrochemicals. The Kingdom is home to more than 5,300 mineral sites, estimated to be worth around SR5 trillion ($1.33 trillion), and the ministry is actively seeking to harness these resources to fuel economic growth. Among the winners, the alliance of ANS Exploration and Odyssey Metal Ltd. was granted an exploration license for the Umm Qasr site in Riyadh, known for its deposits of gold, silver, lead, and zinc. Gold and Minerals Co. secured a license for the Wadi Doush site in Asir, an area rich in gold, silver, and copper ore deposits, covering 157 square kilometers. The alliance of AuKing Mining Ltd. and Barg Al-Saman Mining Co. received a license for the Shuaib Marqan site in Riyadh, spanning 92 square kilometers and noted for its copper, silver, and gold resources. Meanwhile, Metal Bank Ltd. and the Mining Holding Co. were awarded the Wadi Al-Jouna site in Asir, which covers 425 square kilometers and contains copper, zinc, silver, and gold. Other awarded licenses include the Hazm Shubat site in Asir, granted to the Rawkad and Masharef alliance, which is known for its gold deposits. The Midad Al-Muna for Mining and Tinka Resources alliance was given the license for the Huwaimdhan exploration site in Makkah, which also holds significant gold resources. Commitment to local development A total of 44 bids were received from 22 companies — many of them new to the Saudi market—during the competition. Bids were evaluated based on technical expertise, proposed work programs, and social and environmental considerations. As part of their commitment, the winning companies have pledged to invest SR75 million ($20 million) in exploration activities and SR5 million toward community development, aiming to create jobs and opportunities for citizens in underserved areas. This licensing round marks a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia’s mining sector, with four companies receiving exploration licenses for the first time, further cementing the Kingdom’s appeal as a leading investment destination for mining. Aligning with Vision 2030 The ministry highlighted that this initiative reflects investors" confidence in Saudi Arabia’s mining investment framework, which adheres to the highest standards of transparency and environmental responsibility. It also underscores the country’s commitment to diversifying its economy in line with Vision 2030, which aims to develop the mining sector as a key economic driver. In a related development, the ministry recently announced another competition for seven mining exploration licenses, covering regions in Makkah and Riyadh and targeting a range of precious and base metals, including gold, copper, zinc, lead, and silver. The deadline for submitting technical proposals for this new licensing round is at the end of November. MoU signed The ministry and Sukuk Capital have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at enhancing industrial financing. The agreement, reported by the Saudi Press Agency, is designed to provide tailored financial solutions for industrial enterprises. The MoU was signed by Al-Badr Fouda, the Ministry’s Deputy Minister for Industrial Development, and Abdulaziz Al-Sayyari, CEO of Sukuk Capital, with the ceremony attended by Deputy Minister for Industrial Affairs, Khalil bin Ibrahim bin Salamah. The partnership aims to develop innovative financial products that support the growth and sustainability of local factories, in line with the goals of the National Industrial Strategy. The agreement also focuses on customizing Sukuk Capital’s financial offerings to meet the unique requirements of industrial businesses. The financial solutions covered by this MoU include working capital financing, asset financing, and acquisition financing — designed to address the funding needs of factories and help drive their expansion.