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Saudi Arabia to invest $100 billion in mining by 2035

Saudi Arabia's mineral wealth has experienced a significant surge, now valued at $2.5 trillion, up from $1.3 trillion.

Saudi Arabia to invest $100 billion in mining by 2035
[Source photo: Krishna Prasad/Fast Company Middle East]

Saudi Arabia has unveiled plans to inject $100 billion into its mining sector by 2035, as part of its strategic push to become a global leader in mining and manufacturing.

Speaking at the BMO Global Metals, Mining, and Critical Minerals Conference, Eng. Khalid Al-Mudaifer, Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mining Affairs, emphasized that $20 billion has already been allocated, signaling strong momentum in the sector’s growth.

Addressing industry leaders, Al-Mudaifer emphasized the pivotal role of mining in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, a sweeping economic reform plan. He stressed that mining is now a core pillar of the nation’s industrial strategy, supported by modernized regulations and robust government initiatives like the National Minerals Program.

The Kingdom’s mineral wealth has surged, now estimated at $2.5 trillion, up from $1.3 trillion, reflecting both rising commodity values and successful exploration efforts.

A dramatic increase in exploration activity highlights this growth, with the number of exploration companies operating in Saudi Arabia jumping from six in 2020 to 133 in 2023. This 22-fold expansion, coupled with almost $355 million invested in exploration, demonstrates the Kingdom’s aggressive pursuit of untapped mineral resources.

Al-Mudaifer emphasized that this investment is crucial for meeting the rising global demand for critical minerals. He noted that Saudi Arabia’s annual exploration spending has surged by 32%, far exceeding the global average of 6-8%, positioning the kingdom as a major player in the global supply chain.

Saudi Arabia’s strategy centers on attracting international partnerships and increasing private sector participation to transform its mining sector into a key economic pillar. Officials believe this substantial investment will strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a global mining hub, driving long-term economic diversification and competitiveness.

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