Exploration Licenses Awarded in Nabitah-Ad Duwayhi Belt
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources has awarded exploration licenses for 25 sites in the Nabitah-Ad Duwayhi Belt, Makkah Region, to nine local and international companies and consortia. According to the Ministry, these groups have pledged over SAR156 million in exploration investment (as reported by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources).
The successful bidders include major names such as the Ma’aden and Hancock Prospecting “Midana Exploration Pty Ltd” consortium, Ajlan and Bros Mining with Shandong Gold Group, and others like Technology Experts with Andiamo Exploration Ltd, McEwen Inc. with Sumo Holding, Al-Eitilaf Al Mumayaz for Mining Company, Saudi Gold Refinery, Batin Al-Ard for Gold, Aurum Global Group, and Almasar Minerals.
Upcoming Auctions and Regulatory Review
Further competition for 10 additional sites in the same belt is scheduled to continue from September 16 to 18, with results to be released after regulatory review. The Ministry noted that bidding for one site, ND26, was suspended due to bids far exceeding technical expectations, prompting a reassessment in line with the Mining Investment Law to ensure transparency and investor protection.
Additionally, the Ministry plans to launch a new auction for exploration licenses at 162 sites in the Al-Naqrah and Al-Sukhaybirah Safra belts in the Madinah Region on September 28. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to offer more than 50,000 square kilometers of mineral-rich areas in 2025, aiming to boost investment, increase exploration, and attract both local and international investors.
Strategic Importance and Vision 2030
The Ministry emphasized that the strong interest from leading mining companies demonstrates growing confidence in the Kingdom’s mining sector, which holds mineral resources valued at over SAR9.4 trillion (according to the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources). Mining remains a central element of Saudi Vision 2030, supporting economic diversification and reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a global mining hub.
