Riyadh – Sharikat Mubasher: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources announced the issuance of 80 new mining licenses in March 2026 as part of the Kingdom’s efforts to expand the mining sector and diversify sources of national income.

According to the ministry’s press release, the newly issued licenses included 49 exploration licenses, 20 licenses for construction materials quarries, eight licenses for small mine exploitation, two reconnaissance licenses, and one surplus mineral ores license.

The ministry’s official spokesperson said the total number of active mining licenses in Saudi Arabia reached 3,017 by the end of February 2026. Construction materials quarry licenses accounted for the largest share with 1,571 licenses, followed by 1,075 exploration licenses and 285 licenses for mining and small mines exploitation.

The ministry noted that the Kingdom’s mining investment system and executive regulations define six types of mining licenses, including reconnaissance, exploration, exploitation, quarrying, and surplus ore licenses, with varying durations depending on mineral categories and project scope.

Saudi Arabia has been accelerating investment in mining as part of Vision 2030, positioning the sector as a key pillar of economic diversification alongside energy, industry, and advanced manufacturing.