Industry ministry allocates 5 mining clusters in Riyadh, Makkah, Aseer

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The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources allocated five sites for establishing mining clusters in Riyadh, Makkah, and Aseer.

Jarrah Aljarrah, the ministry's spokesperson, stated, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), that the sites include three clusters in Riyadh Province.

These include the Wadi Joy mining cluster in Al-Majma'ah Governorate, which spans 1.01 square kilometers (sq km); the Dilm cluster in Al-Kharj Governorate, covering 2.5 sq km; and the 23.05 sq km South Quwaiyah mining cluster in Quwaiyah Governorate.

Aljarrah added that the sites in the Makkah Province include the Shubrqan mining cluster in Al Jumum Governorate over 5.25 sq km. In the Aseer Province, there is the East Dhuho cluster in Bisha Governorate over 2.24 sq km.

The spokesman emphasized that establishing such mining clusters will help organize the building materials quarry sector, enhance governance in the mining industry, increase transparency, and boost investor confidence.

He also highlighted that these clusters support the sustainability of the sector by emphasizing environmental conservation as well as occupational health and safety. Furthermore, they encourage local communities to engage in the growth of the mining sector in line with the Mining Investment Law.

The ministry seeks to develop the surrounding areas through employing residents in mining projects, boosting local market purchases, and implementing effective communication plans with nearby communities. This is in addition to ensuring compliance with environmental regulations to protect mining sites and surrounding areas, and overseeing the rehabilitation and closure of mining sites.