Industry Ministry aims to cut license issuance duration to less than 180 days: Official

Ahmed Faqih, Deputy Minister for Mining Control

The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources aims to reduce license issuance period to less than 180 days this year, Ahmed Faqih, Deputy Minister for Mining Control, told Argaam on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum.

Speaking to Argaam on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF), Faqih added that the ministry plans to issue at least 60 mineral exploitation licenses in classes A and B, plus over 200 licenses in the construction materials sector, which is seeing annual changes.

Faqih emphasized that by the end of 2024, the ministry had over 2,400 active licenses, issued 642 exploration licenses, and granted 1,400 licenses in construction materials to support various projects.

He also highlighted that compliance rates were 100% for Class A (precious metals) and over 90% for Class B (industrial minerals like cement, bricks). The construction materials sector had over 75% compliance, reflecting strong operational performance.

The ministry is working to develop mining licenses and investments, with more than 400 mining complexes across the Kingdom. These efforts support Saudi Vision 2030 and contribute to its targets amid leadership support.

Faqih explained his department’s role in overseeing licensed operators and processing investor applications for various licenses (exploration, prospecting, or exploitation) based on materials classification, such as precious metals, industrial minerals, and construction materials.

The agency also ensures compliance, working with licensees to ensure optimal resource use while adhering to the mining investment law and its regulations, promoting sustainability in the sector.

Faqih clarified that the ministry oversees mining complexes across the Kingdom, with operational activities handled by Esnad, the ministry’s operational arm, under its supervision.