Historical Introduction
Mining in Saudi Arabia has roots dating back to pre-Christian times, with archaeological evidence indicating gold mining activity in the Mahd Adh Dhahab region as early as 900 BC. During the Islamic era, particularly under the Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties, mining activity expanded to include silver and copper extraction, making the Arabian Peninsula a significant center of mineral wealth in the ancient world.
In 1934, the first official mining company in the Kingdom was established, marking the beginning of an institutional journey towards exploring and exploiting mineral resources. With the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, the mining sector has become one of the three pillars of national industry, alongside oil and petrochemicals.
Accurate statistics on mineral resources
According to estimates from the International Mining Conference in Riyadh (January 2024), the value of untapped mineral resources in the Kingdom was approximately:
This represents a 90% increase over previous estimates in 2016, which amounted to 5 trillion riyals.
The Kingdom also ranks third globally in terms of natural resource reserves, with a total value of $34.4 trillion.
9.375 trillion Saudi riyals
That is equivalent to 2.5 trillion US dollars
The diversity of minerals discovered in Saudi Arabia
To date, more than 48 types of mineralsAmong them:
There are also rare metals such as tantalum, uranium, and lanthanides, which are of strategic importance in advanced industries.
| metal | Uses | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| gold | Jewelry, microelectronics | Extracted from the cradle of gold thousands of years ago |
| Silver | Medicine, imaging, electronics | Highly efficient conductive metal |
| Copper | Wires, pipes, heavy industries | Available in large quantities in the south of the Kingdom |
| Zinc | Paint, corrosion resistance | Used in iron protection |
| Phosphate | Fertilizer industry | Al-Jalamid area and the promise of the north |
| Bauxite | Aluminum production | A strategic mineral for manufacturing industries |
| Nickel | Batteries, stainless steel |
The future of mining under Vision 2030
The Kingdom seeks to transform the mining sector into a major source of income, through:
- Launching the National Geological Surveys.
- Developing a mining investment system to encourage investors.
- Reducing the tax to 20% to attract foreign investment.
- Establishing industrial mining cities such as “Waad Al Shamal” city.
📝 Conclusion
The mining industry in Saudi Arabia is no longer just a traditional economic activity; it has become a strategic pillar in building a diversified and sustainable economy. With the expansion of exploration and the modernization of regulations, the Kingdom is steadily progressing towards becoming a global hub for the modern mining industry.