Six Companies Win Exploration Licenses in Saudi Arabia’s Mining Competitions

The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources has announced the winners of the fifth round of mining competitions for exploration licenses in Saudi Arabia. These licenses cover six mining sites containing base and precious metals, including gold, silver, zinc, and copper. Let’s take a closer look at the details:

1. Discovery Arabia Mining Company: They secured the exploration license for the “Al-Halahala” (الحلاحلة) site.
2. Al Masane Al Kobra Mining Company (AMAK): They won exploration licenses for both the “Jabal Qarn” (جبل قرن) and “Al-Hijrah” (الهجرة) sites.
3. Alliance of Ekleed Group and Endotan Mining Company: They obtained the exploration license for the “Makman Hijab” (مكمن حجاب) site.
4. Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden): They secured the exploration license for the “Al-Namas” (النماص) site.
5. Royal Roads Arabia Company: They emerged victorious for the exploration license at the “Al-Mayah” (المياه) site.

Key Highlights:

• This competition is the largest of its kind in the Kingdom, with the Ministry receiving 30 bids from 18 local and international companies.
• Bids were evaluated based on technical expertise, work programs, and social and environmental commitments.
• The six sites cover a total area of 1,000 square kilometers, with approximately 25% of jobs allocated to local communities.
• Royal Roads Arabia, winner of the “Al-Mayah” site, will allocate 14.6 million SAR for exploration activities, including drilling 11,600 meters.
• They commit to local procurement (25%) and allocate 50% of jobs to local communities.
• The Ministry plans to launch the sixth round of exploration license competitions, including nine new licenses, in the third quarter of this year.
• These efforts align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to optimize mineral wealth utilization and make mining a key industry.