Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia showcased its mining reforms and investment opportunities at the PERUMIN 37 Mining Conference in Arequipa, Peru, aiming to position the Kingdom as a global hub for minerals and downstream processing.

A delegation comprising representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, the Saudi Geological Survey, and the Saudi Mining Services Co. highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable mineral resource development, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The group also emphasized the upcoming fifth edition of the Future Minerals Forum, scheduled for January 2026 in Riyadh. 

The Kingdom’s participation comes amid a sharp rise in mining exports, which have surged by about 80 percent due to increased production of key minerals including phosphate, iron, aluminum, copper, and gold.  

According to a report in August, current and planned investments in the sector are estimated at SR180 billion ($48 billion), as Saudi Arabia intensifies its strategy to position itself as a global hub for mineral resources.  

This expansion aligns with broader government efforts to boost exports and attract high-quality foreign investment into downstream processing industries. 

During PERUMIN 37, Abdulrahman Al-Belushi, deputy minister for Mining Resource Development, stated that Saudi Arabia and Peru share a strong commitment to leveraging mining as a driver of economic growth.  

“He explained that Saudi Arabia’s participation in PERUMIN 37 reflects its belief in the importance of cooperation and knowledge exchange to support mineral supply chains, serving the goals of global digital and energy transitions,” the SPA report added. 

Al-Belushi reiterated the Kingdom’s strategic objective of transforming mining into a third pillar of the national economy under Vision 2030.  

He noted that Saudi Arabia holds mineral resources valued at over SR9.4 trillion and has enacted policies to enhance investment attractiveness. 

These include the development of integrated infrastructure from mine to market and the pursuit of international partnerships to strengthen global supply chain resilience. 

Recent initiatives presented by the Saudi delegation include the launch of mining exploration license rounds via the digital Tadween platform, which ensures transparency and equal opportunity for investors.  

The ministry has also introduced the Mining Exploration Enablement Program to support companies with valid licenses for less than five years, offering up to SR7.5 million per project to mitigate early-stage investment risk. 

“The Kingdom also offers competitive incentives through its mining investment regime, including full foreign ownership, in addition to financing provided by the Industrial Development Fund to support mining exploration,” Al-Belushi said, as reported by SPA. 

He highlighted the National Geological Database, which compiles over 80 years of geological data, alongside a comprehensive regional survey program to deepen knowledge of the Arabian Shield. 

The Saudi delegation emphasized the Kingdom’s interest in expanding strategic partnerships with Latin American nations, especially Peru — a leading global producer of copper, silver, and zinc. 

Discussions between Saudi and Peruvian officials explored collaboration in exploration technologies, artisanal mining challenges, and joint investments to strengthen global supply chains.