Published on
August 12, 2025
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, August 12, 2025- Saudi Arabia’s mining sector has surged ahead, jumping from 104th to 23rd place worldwide in the Fraser Institute’s Mining Investment Attractiveness Index from 2013 to 2024. This remarkable rise establishes the Kingdom as one of the fastest-rising players on the global mining stage, now ahead of many established hubs in Asia and Latin America.
Saudi Arabia has strengthened its score on the Policy Perception Index (PPI), climbing from 82nd in 2013 to 20th in 2024. This upward trend shows growing global trust in the Kingdom’s reliable regulatory environment. The Mineral Potential Index (MPI) tells a similar story, improving from 58th in 2013 to 24th last year. This progress highlights the Kingdom’s vast, yet-to-be tapped mineral wealth, now being systematically mapped through wide-reaching surveys and an increasing number of new mining licenses.
Vision 2030 Driving Growth in Mining
The exceptional progress of Saudi Arabia’s mining industry is a key component of the broader Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy beyond oil. His Excellency Eng. Khalid Al-Mudaifer, Vice Minister for Mining Affairs, emphasized that this remarkable achievement is the result of extensive efforts to reform and transform the mining sector. Our mining sector is no longer just a traditional industry; it has become a key driver of economic and industrial growth, he stated.
Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as a highly competitive investment destination by offering attractive incentives, clear regulations, and world-class infrastructure. One of the most notable elements of this transformation has been the extensive geological surveys conducted on the Arabian Shield, providing investors with critical data to assess the Kingdom’s mineral wealth.
The country’s focus on localizing supply chains and generating jobs for its citizens has made mining a central aspect of its development strategy. According to Al-Mudaifer, We are committed to ensuring sustainable success, maximizing the value of our mineral resources, and contributing to the creation of a diversified economy.
Government Reforms and Regulatory Improvements
Saudi Arabia’s ascension to the top quartile of the Fraser Institute’s Mining Investment Attractiveness Index is the result of far-reaching regulatory reforms. The reforms have focused on key areas such as the security of tenure, environmental regulations, taxation, and infrastructure. Notably, investors have expressed confidence in the Kingdom’s political stability, which has been one of the key factors attracting investment to the country.
The Fraser Institute report highlighted several key improvements in Saudi Arabia’s mining environment between 2013 and 2024:
- Mining Administration: Saudi Arabia saw a 305.8% improvement in the clarity and effectiveness of its mining administration, from 17% in 2013 to 69% in 2024. This leap placed the Kingdom 11th globally.
- Land Use for Mining Activities: The clarity regarding land use for mining activities improved by 82.2%, from 45% in 2013 to 82% in 2024, ranking Saudi Arabia 7th globally in this category.
- Labor Regulations: Saudi Arabia made a 102.2% improvement in labor regulations, from 45% in 2013 to 91% in 2024, showing the Kingdom’s commitment to ensuring a stable and fair working environment for the mining sector.
- Geological Databases: Saudi Arabia improved the quality of its geological databases by 81.8%, from 33% in 2013 to 60% in 2024, providing investors with more reliable data to make informed decisions.
Strengthening Investor Confidence
The Kingdom’s regulatory reforms have significantly bolstered international investor confidence. The Fraser Institute’s report highlighted Saudi Arabia’s Mining Exploration Enablement Program as a critical tool in reducing investment risks and increasing investor confidence in early-stage mining projects.
The report also pointed out that investors have expressed no concerns about the Kingdom’s political stability, which remains a cornerstone of the country’s attractiveness to global investors. This stability, combined with regulatory clarity, has helped the Kingdom build a globally competitive mining industry, positioning Saudi Arabia as a world-class investment destination.
Alignment with Vision 2030 Goals
This upward trend in the mining sector aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of diversifying the economy and developing strategic sectors such as mining. The government’s continuous efforts to enhance the mining sector are contributing to the Kingdom’s overall economic growth and reinforcing its position as an emerging global mining hub.
By improving its regulatory framework, increasing transparency, and prioritizing investor security, Saudi Arabia has set the stage for continued success in the global mining market. The mining sector is not only seen as an economic engine but also as a source of new job opportunities and the foundation for the development of other industrial sectors.
A Bright Future for Saudi Arabia’s Mining Sector
Saudi Arabia’s key position, rich mineral deposits, and drive to create a better investment climate are all helping it move toward a top spot in global mining. Every time a new company puts money into the Kingdom’s mining scene, it brings in more local and foreign investors. This cycle opens fresh opportunities and supports the country’s lasting economic growth.
