Industry Ministry announces mining license winners

Logo of Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources

The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources announced winners for the fourth round of the mining exploration licence competition at Bir Ummq, Jabal Al-Sahabiya, and Umm Hadeed sites.

The ministry stated that after evaluating offers based on technical, work program, and social criteria, the Ajlan & Bros Group and Norinco International consortium won the Bir Ummq license. Royal Roads Minerals and MSB Holding won for Jabal Al-Sahabiya, and sumou Real Estate Co. and Kuya Silver for Umm Hadeed, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Exploration licenses will be issued as per Mining Investment Law and regulations. Applicants must prove technical efficiency and adherence to social and environmental standards, fostering sustainable mining sector development in the Kingdom.

The Bir Ummq site, won by Ajlan & Bros and Norinco, is in Mahd adh Dhahab, west of the Kingdom. Covering over 187 km², has copper and zinc ores. The consortium will spend SAR 110.5 million on exploration and 15 million on local community initiatives, including training and employment.

Jabal Al-Sahabiya, won by Royal Road Minerals and MSB Holding, is in Tathleeth, south of the Kingdom. Spanning over 283 km², it has zinc, lead, and copper ores. They will spend over SAR 20.5 million on exploration and 450,000 on community initiatives, plus local training and employment.

Umm Hadeed, won by Sumou RealEstate and Kuya Silver, is in the Afif region, central Kingdom. Covering over 246 km², it has silver, lead, copper, and zinc ores. The consortium will spend SAR 83 million on exploration and over 3 million on community initiatives, including local training and employment.

The ministry will continue mining competitions to encourage new companies' participation and ensure continuous evaluation for selecting suitable exploration companies.