Saudi Arabia’s mining sector is entering an exciting new chapter defined by opportunity, innovation, and global collaboration.
With the Kingdom’s rich geological potential and ambitious Vision 2030 strategy, Saudi Arabia is fast positioning itself as a leading destination for responsible and sustainable mineral investment.
Speaking with Ahmed Al-Aqeel, General Manager of Exploration Development at the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, it’s clear that the Kingdom’s approach to mining development is both strategic and forward-thinking.
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Al-Aqeel, a seasoned mining professional with over a decade of experience, highlighted the strong similarities between Saudi Arabia and Australia, from their geological structures to their shared commitment to transparency, sustainability, and investment attraction.
“The Kingdom’s Arabian Shield shares many geological traits with Australia’s mineral belts,” Al-Aqeel explained. “This creates a natural synergy between our two nations and a familiar environment for Australian miners to explore and invest.”
Mining is a central pillar of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy and create a thriving, sustainable industrial ecosystem. The Kingdom’s mineral wealth, estimated at over $2.5 trillion, spans gold, copper, phosphate, bauxite, and a range of critical minerals vital to the global clean energy transition.
To support growth, Saudi Arabia has implemented a transparent, world-class regulatory framework and one of the fastest permitting systems globally. Through the Ta’adeen digital platform, investors can now apply for exploration or mining licences in a matter of months “Our goal is to create clarity, efficiency, and trust for every investor,” said Al-Aqeel.
The Kingdom also offers incentives that make it one of the world’s most attractive mining destinations, including 100% foreign ownership, royalty exemptions, competitive energy costs, and co-funding through the Saudi Industrial Development Fund.
A recently launched Exploration Enablement Programme, inspired by Western Australia’s model, provides up to $2 million per licence to help de-risk exploration and accelerate discovery.
Beyond exploration, Saudi Arabia is moving rapidly to develop downstream industries and mineral value chains.
With advanced infrastructure, industrial cities such as Yanbu, Jubail, and Ras Al-Khair, and an abundance of affordable energy, the Kingdom aims to become a hub for mineral processing, refining, and manufacturing. “We are building complete ecosystems for aluminium, copper, silicon, and other critical minerals essential for solar panels, batteries, and the clean technologies of the future,” Al-Aqeel said.
The growing partnership between Saudi Arabia and Australia supports the Kingdom’s ongoing mining transformation. “Australia’s mining expertise and innovation align perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s resources, energy, and strategic location,” Al-Aqeel said. “Together, we can accelerate mineral development, enhance supply chain security, and drive the global energy transition.”
This growing collaboration will once again be in focus at the 2025 International Mining and Resources Conference + Expo (IMARC), to be held in Sydney from 21–23 October 2025. Ministers from five continents, including senior representatives from the Government of Saudi Arabia, will join their Australian counterparts, bringing global political influence to one of the world’s premier mining and investment events.
The conference is expected to attract its largest international attendance to date, with Australia’s Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Hon. Madeleine King MP, delivering the Australian Government Ministerial Address on the opening morning.
For more information and to register for IMARC 2025, visit the IMARC Website.