The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM) in Saudi Arabia has announced the launch of its 7th round of exploration licensing, inviting mining and exploration companies to bid for seven mineral-rich sites covering a total area of more than 1,070 square kilometres. The bidding process is set to commence in mid-October, with successful bidders expected to be announced in December.
The sites available for auction include a diverse range of commodities, with locations strategically positioned to facilitate mining operations. Each site presents unique opportunities for exploration, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to developing its mining sector.
Among the highlighted sites is Wadi al Lith, which spans 243.87 square kilometres and is situated within the Mecca Region, approximately 200 kilometres from Jeddah. This site is rich in copper (Cu), gold (Au), and zinc (Zn), making it an attractive option for prospective bidders.
Another significant site is Jabal Baudan, covering an area of 244.92 square kilometres and located roughly 200 kilometres south of Jeddah. Similar to Wadi al Lith, it also contains valuable commodities, including copper, gold, and zinc.
The Jabal Sabha site, positioned in central Saudi Arabia approximately 650 kilometres from the Jeddah port, encompasses 171.5 square kilometres and is noted for its deposits of silver (Ag), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), as well as niobium (Nb), gold, and cobalt (Co).
Additionally, Jabal al Ad Dimah covers an area of 210.90 square kilometres and is located around 200 kilometres south of Jeddah, with deposits of copper, gold, and zinc.
The Jabal al Klah North site, part of the Ad Dawadimi Terrane, is located in the eastern region of the Arabian Shield, 750 kilometres northeast of Jeddah and 320 kilometres from Riyadh. It spans 98.15 square kilometres and boasts significant deposits of silver, lead, and zinc.
Jabal al Klah South, another site in the same terrane, covers 19.21 square kilometres and offers commodities including silver, lead, and zinc.
Finally, Umm Hijlan (Mamilah) is located in the Mecca region, approximately 270 kilometres from the Jeddah port, covering an area of 78.4 square kilometres. The site is noted for its deposits of gold, lead, and copper.
MIM encourages interested investors to review the Information Memorandum for more details about the sites. Potential bidders can access the data room and gather essential information by visiting the Ta’adeen website at https://taadeen.sa/en/mining-bids.
The invitation for bids underscores Saudi Arabia’s focus on diversifying its economy and enhancing the mining sector, aligning with Vision 2030 objectives aimed at boosting investment and development across various industries. As the Kingdom seeks to leverage its natural resources, this licensing round represents a significant step toward advancing the exploration and extraction of minerals crucial to the global market.
