RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources has revealed the Kingdom possesses an estimated $2.5 trillion in mineral resources, supported by transparent licensing processes, advanced regulatory reforms, and large-scale geological mapping.
Abdulrahman Al-Belushi made the remarks at the Saudi Showcase titled “KSA: The Future Hub for Global Mineral Processing, on the sidelines of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention, held March 1–4, 2026, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Monday.
During his address, Al-Belushi emphasised Saudi Arabia’s transformation from an emerging mining jurisdiction into a leading global destination for mineral investment.
He highlighted the ongoing mapping programme covers around 700,000 square kilometers of the Arabian Shield, offering significant exploration potential for international mining companies.
The event provided a global platform for the Kingdom to present its expanding exploration potential, supported by vast geological data and a modernised regulatory framework.
Speaking at the International Mines Ministers Summit (IMMS), Al-Belushi also stressed the importance of global partnerships to meet increasing demand for critical minerals.
He outlined the Future Minerals Forum’s Ministerial Roundtable Initiative, which promotes responsible supply chains, economic development, and capacity building across the global mining sector.
Al-Belushi noted that Saudi Arabia has made more than 46,000 square kilometers available for exploration and is actively addressing financing challenges through competitive incentives.
Among these initiatives is the Exploration Enablement Programme, designed to encourage early-stage investment and support mining companies entering the sector.
The deputy minister also highlighted talent development efforts, including the launch of the Saudi School of Mines during the fifth Future Minerals Forum in January.
In addition, more than 80 years of geological data have been digitised and made accessible to investors through the National Geological Database, improving transparency and investment accessibility.
Throughout PDAC 2026, the Saudi delegation held multiple bilateral meetings with global mining executives, investors, and institutional partners to expand cooperation across exploration, mining services, mineral processing, and downstream industries.
By combining regulatory reforms, extensive geological data, strong financial incentives, and integrated mine-to-market infrastructure, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a key partner in strengthening global mineral supply chains.
The Kingdom’s participation at PDAC 2026 reflects the rapid development of its mining industry and underscores its ambition to become a competitive global mining hub.
Through strategic reforms and investor-friendly policies, Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its reputation as a reliable destination for mining investment and a partner in building sustainable mineral supply networks.
