RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has been ranked among the world’s top ten mining investment destinations in the latest survey by the Fraser Institute.
The latest report highlights a significant leap in Saudi Arabia’s mining sector, which recorded an unprecedented rise on the Investment Attractiveness Index in the latest survey by the institute.
The Kingdom climbed 13 positions within a year and improved its score by 14.3 percent, becoming the only Asian jurisdiction to rank among the world’s top ten mining investment destinations in 2025.
This achievement marks a remarkable transformation for Saudi Arabia’s mining industry.
The Kingdom has steadily improved its global standing, rising from 104th place in 2013 to 23rd in 2024, and now securing a position among the top ten global destinations for mining investment.
The report attributes this recognition to strong gains across two key indicators.
In the Policy Perception Index, Saudi Arabia advanced significantly from 20th place last year to 4th globally, earning a score of 94.99.
Meanwhile, its ranking in the Mineral Potential Index improved from 24th to 16th, with a score of 73.33.
These results underline the Kingdom’s growing competitiveness as an investment destination, supported by both promising geological resources and a modern regulatory framework with transparent and efficient governance.
Saudi Arabia also recorded outstanding performance across several policy indicators.
The Kingdom ranked first globally in three major categories, including “Uncertainty Concerning the Administration and Regulations,” reflecting the clarity and efficiency of its mining regulations and administrative processes.
The category recorded an impressive 558 percent improvement, driven by the implementation of the new Mining Investment Law and related legal reforms.
The progress has also been supported by institutional and technological advancements, including the establishment of Saudi Mining Services Company (ESNAD) to strengthen oversight and compliance, and the digitisation of licensing procedures through the Ta’adeen digital platform.
These measures aim to streamline investment processes, enhance transparency, and further position Saudi Arabia as a leading global hub for mining investment.
Saudi Arabia also secured the top global ranking in the category of “Regulatory Duplication and Inconsistencies,” highlighting the success of coordinated efforts among government entities to streamline regulations and reduce bureaucratic overlap.
In addition, the Kingdom ranked first worldwide in the “Taxation Regime” category, a result that has helped strengthen investor confidence and enhance the financial competitiveness of mining projects across the country.
Commenting on the achievement, Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mining Affair, Eng. Khalid bin Saleh Al-Mudaifer, said the Kingdom’s entry into the global top ten reflects the depth of reforms introduced under Saudi Vision 2030 to transform the mining sector.
He noted that the ranking highlights the growing maturity and resilience of Saudi Arabia’s investment environment as the country positions itself to meet increasing global demand for critical minerals and natural resources.
Looking ahead, Al-Mudaifer said the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources will continue strengthening the mining sector as a key driver of industrial and economic growth.
He emphasised that efforts will focus on further developing legislative and regulatory frameworks that enhance investor confidence and reinforce the Kingdom’s long-term competitiveness in global mining markets.
He also pointed out that the latest findings by the Fraser Institute serve as independent international recognition of the rapid transformation taking place in Saudi Arabia’s mining industry, reflecting the effectiveness of ongoing reforms and strategic initiatives aimed at expanding the sector.
The survey evaluated 68 mining jurisdictions worldwide, based on 256 responses from senior executives representing global mining companies.
