Mining licenses in Saudi Arabia surge 21% since 2016

Saudi Arabia has recorded continued expansion in its mining sector, with the number of mining licenses rising from 1,985 in 2016 to 2,401 by the end of 2024, achieving cumulative growth of 21%, according to the 2024 mineral wealth statistics issued by the General Authority for Statistics.

The data also revealed an upward trajectory in the number of licenses issued in recent years, as the total reached 2,100 in 2021, a cumulative growth of 6%. The number of licenses increased to 2,272 in 2022 (14%), 2,365 in 2023 (19%), and 2,401 in 2024 (21%).

The growth reflects the expansion of exploration and investment activity in the sector.

Licenses for building material quarries accounted for the largest share of total mining permits issued in the Kingdom, increasing from 1,267 in 2021 to 1,481 in 2024. Exploration licenses recorded modest but steady growth over the same period.

The data further showed notable expansion across other mining activities. During the period, a total of 2,554 exploration licenses were issued, while 744 exploitation licenses were issued. The number of reconnaissance licenses rose to 151, while the surplus mineral ore licenses totaled 83 over the same period.

The following table shows the distribution of mining licenses issued by type from 2021 to 2024.

This cumulative growth in mining licenses since 2016, the year Vision 2030 was launched, is part of the Kingdom’s efforts to diversify national income sources and strengthen non-oil sectors.

The increase in the number of licenses and the expansion of exploration and mining activities reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to developing its mining base and increasing the sector’s contribution to GDP to support Vision 2030 objectives.