Riyadh | BETH – 23 Ramadan 1447 AH corresponding to March 12, 2026

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continued its historic rise in global mining investment indicators for the second consecutive year, entering the list of the top ten countries in the world, ranking tenth globally in the Mining Investment Attractiveness Index, according to the results of the 2025 Annual Survey of Mining Companies issued by the Canadian Fraser Institute.

This survey is considered one of the most prominent global references for evaluating mining investment environments, and major financial institutions and international companies rely on it in directing their investment decisions.

A Historic Leap in the Ranking

The report revealed a qualitative leap for the Kingdom of 13 positions within one year, with an improvement of 14.3%, making it the only Asian country among the top ten mining investment destinations for 2025.

This achievement represents the culmination of a transformation journey that began from 104th place globally in 2013, then 23rd place in 2024, reaching tenth place globally, placing the Kingdom among the most attractive investment environments in the global mining sector.

Excellence in Policies and Regulations

This progress was based on clear improvements in the survey’s sub-indicators, where the Kingdom ranked:

Fourth globally in the Policy Perception Index with 94.99 points (compared with 20th place previously).

Sixteenth globally in the Geological Potential Index with 73.33 points.

This integration reflects two fundamental pillars of the Kingdom’s investment competitiveness:

Promising geological resources

An advanced legislative and regulatory framework

Global Leadership in Three Indicators

The Kingdom ranked first globally in three key indicators:

Clarity of mining regulations and efficiency of executive administration,
with a 558% leap resulting from the implementation of the new mining investment law.

Regulatory consistency and absence of contradictions,
as a result of integration among government entities.

Mining taxation system,
which enhances the competitiveness of mining projects and the confidence of international investors.

The Kingdom also ranked:

Second globally in the stability and clarity of environmental regulations.

Third globally in managing land claims and developing surrounding communities.

Infrastructure Supports the Sector

The mining sector also achieved progress in the quality of infrastructure indicator, which includes:

Roads

Energy

Communications

Treated water

This progress comes as a result of broad government support for the sector, in addition to the launch of the Mining Infrastructure Enablement Initiative during the fifth edition of the Future Minerals Forum last January.

Advances in the Judicial System and Geological Data

The Kingdom recorded significant leaps in other indicators, most notably:

A 211% improvement in the judicial system indicator

A 203% improvement in the quality of the geological database

This reflects the expansion of geological survey programs and the enhancement of transparency in investment information.

Vision 2030 Drives the Transformation

The Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mining Affairs, Eng. Khalid Al-Mudaifer, confirmed that the Kingdom’s entry into the list of the top ten countries globally reflects the depth of the reforms launched under Saudi Vision 2030 in the mining sector.

He explained that the ministry continues to develop the regulatory environment of the sector in a way that enhances its sustainability and its ability to meet the growing global demand for minerals.

He pointed out that the results of the report represent an independent international testimony to the accelerating transformation in the sector, with a focus on:

Improving the investor experience

Increasing transparency

Accelerating procedures

Reducing exploration risks

Growth of Mining Investments

Investment indicators showed tangible results during 2025, as:

61 exploitation licenses for mine development were issued with investments amounting to 44 billion riyals.

Compared to 21 licenses in 2024.

Recording a growth rate of 221%.

Expansion of Exploration Companies

The number of active exploration companies increased from:

6 companies in 2020

to

226 companies in 2024

representing growth of nearly 38 times.

The number of active exploration licenses also increased to 1,108 licenses by the end of 2025, compared to 500 licenses in 2020.

Growing Global Interest

Competition rounds for exploration licenses in the Kingdom are witnessing increasing international interest from major global mining companies, including:

Barrick Gold

Ivanhoe Electric

Shandong Gold

Hancock Prospecting

Zijin Mining

The ministry also announced the launch of the 11th licensing round, offering exploration licenses in eight mining sites in the regions of Riyadh, Hail, and Asir, with a total area of 1,878 km², covering ores including gold, silver, copper, zinc, and iron.

Government Support for Exploration

The report praised the Mining Exploration Enablement Program, for which the Kingdom allocated 685 million riyals during the period 2024–2030 to support companies in the early stages of exploration and reduce investment risks.

BETH Reading

What is happening in the Saudi mining sector is not merely an improvement in an international ranking, but a strategic transformation in the Kingdom’s position within the global minerals economy.

The shift from 104th place globally just a decade ago to tenth place today reflects the Kingdom’s transition from the stage of untapped potential to the stage of investment leadership in the minerals sector.

Amid the global transition toward clean energy and advanced technologies, minerals — from copper to lithium and nickel — are becoming a decisive element in the future global economy.

Here the Saudi bet becomes clear:

Transforming the mining sector into the third pillar of national industry after oil and petrochemicals, while strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a global partner in securing future mineral supply chains.