Saudi Arabia moves up to 10th globally on Mining Investment Attractiveness Index

Saudi Arabia’s mining sector advanced for the second straight year to the 10th rank globally on theInvestment Attractiveness Index, according to the Annual Survey of Mining Companies 2025 issued by the Canada-based Fraser Institute.

 

The report showed a significant jump of 13 places compared with last year, implying a 14.3% rise in one year. The Kingdom ranked 10th globally and was the only Asian country on the 2025 list, having climbed from 104th place in 2013 to 23rd in 2024.

 

This achievement was also supported by balanced improvements across the sub-indices in the 2025 survey.

 

 

Saudi Arabia ranked first globally in three metrics. The Kingdom topped the rankings for clarity of mining regulations and efficiency of administrative processes, recording a 558% improvement. This was driven by the implementation of the new Mining Investment Law and its executive regulations, the restructuring of sector governance, the ministry’s focus on its regulatory and supervisory role, the establishment of Esnad Co. to strengthen oversight and compliance, and the automation of licensing procedures through the Taadeen platform.

 

Saudi Arabia also ranked first globally in regulatory consistency and absence of conflict, as well as the mining tax regime index. In addition, the Kingdom ranked second worldwide in environmental regulation clarity and stability, and third globally in handling land claims and community development.

 

Saudi Arabia also recorded a significant improvement in the infrastructure quality indicator, which covers access to roads, power, communications, and treated water, reflecting strong government support over recent years to develop the sector’s required infrastructure.

 

These advanced rankings were accompanied by exceptional gains exceeding 100% in other key indicators. The Kingdom improved 211% in the judicial system indicator, and 203% in the geological database quality indicator, supported by the substantial data added through the geological survey program.

 

In 2025, Saudi Arabia issued 61 mining exploitation licenses to establish mines, with investments totaling SAR 44 billion, compared with 21 licenses in 2024, representing 221% growth.

 

The number of active exploration companies rose from six in 2020 to 226 in 2024. Meanwhile, active exploration licenses increased to 1,108 by the end of 2025, up from 500 licenses in 2020, marking 104% growth.