Saudi Arabia launches mining infrastructure initiative

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef announced the launch of the Mining Infrastructure Enablement Initiative in collaboration with the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON), including the first 75-kilometer treated water pipeline to support the development of the Jabal Sayid area and accelerate mining projects.

On investment and corporate developments, the minister said a financing gateway has been launched in cooperation with the Bank of Montreal to address access to funding, one of the mining sector’s key challenges, alongside the introduction of future minerals metrics to track progress in developing the minerals value chain.

In his opening remarks at the Future Minerals Forum, Alkhorayef said the forum’s ministerial roundtable seeks to generate impact beyond extraction by creating value and jobs, supporting economic diversification and contributing to initiatives that will shape the forum’s agenda over the next five years.

He said these initiatives align with Vision 2030 goals to strengthen the mining sector, noting that Saudi Arabia’s industry is growing sustainably and remains investor-friendly.

The Kingdom aims to unlock up to $2.5 trillion in mining potential by expanding exploration opportunities.

The minister noted that more than 30,000 square kilometers have been awarded through licensing so far and the ninth licensing round offered multiple sites to 24 companies, making it the largest to date.

The Kingdom will continue to offer major exploration opportunities in 2026 and 2027.

Alkhorayef added that spending on surveys, Arabian Shield mapping, and exploration has risen sharply in recent years, reaching more than $80 billion in 2024 and gaining strong global attention.