From Hidden Wealth to Economic Pillar?
For decades, Saudi Arabia critical minerals remained an untapped treasure. Today, reserves valued at $2.5 trillion are reshaping the Kingdom’s economy. With more than 45 identified minerals, ranging from gold and phosphate to lithium and rare earths; the sector has been elevated as the third pillar of growth, standing alongside oil and petrochemicals. This shift reflects Vision 2030’s ambition to diversify revenue streams and secure sustainable supply chains.
Partnerships Driving Global Energy Transition
The story of Saudi Arabia critical minerals is increasingly international. In 2025, Riyadh deepened ties with Washington, with Minister Bandar Alkhorayef meeting US officials to reinforce cooperation. Their agenda: resilient supply chains, advanced mining technologies, and responsible practices. These talks built on a memorandum of cooperation signed earlier in the year, positioning Saudi Arabia as a reliable partner in the global energy transition.
$9.72 Billion Market Signals Technology Adoption
Mining equipment tied to Saudi Arabia critical minerals is on track to expand from USD 7.32 billion in 2025 to USD 9.72 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.83%. The data reveals:
- Excavation functions held 41.16% of the market in 2024
- Surface mining support equipment accounted for 21.36%
- Drills and breakers are projected to grow at 6.17% CAGR
- Battery-electric fleets forecast a 16.31% CAGR through 2030
These figures highlight how sustainability and automation are becoming core to mining operations.
Privatization Unlocks $9.32 Billion in Deals
Vision 2030’s privatization drive has accelerated investment in Saudi Arabia critical minerals. In 2025 alone:
- 33 new mining licenses were issued
- A USD 182 million exploration incentive fund was launched
- Ma’aden raised USD 1.25 billion through sukuk issuance
- Nine deals worth USD 9.32 billion underscored investor confidence
Global players like Vedanta and Zijin are demanding digital-ready machines, pushing Saudi Arabia toward autonomous drills and sensor-rich loaders.
Exploration Expands Across 12,012 km²
Exploration is the lifeblood of Saudi Arabia critical minerals. The Exploration Enablement Program opened 4,000 km² of greenfield targets, while Ma’aden’s partnership with Fleet Space Technologies spans 12,012.6 km² of the Arabian Shield. Satellite-based tomography is mapping sub-surface potential, ensuring discoveries continue to fuel industrial growth.
Lithium Refineries Target 2027 Start-Up
Battery metals are the next frontier. Aramco and Ma’aden are pioneering lithium extraction from produced water, while Critical Metals Corp and Obeikan Group are advancing lithium hydroxide production. By 2027, Saudi Arabia critical minerals will include industrial-scale refineries, requiring autoclaves, hydrometallurgical reactors, and nano-filtration presses.
Local Content Quotas Reshape Supply Chains
Saudi Arabia’s IKTVA benchmark of 70% local sourcing now extends to mining. By late 2025, more than 350 multinational firms had secured regional headquarters licenses, accelerating plant construction in Jubail and Ras Al Khair. This localization ensures that global machines integrate Saudi-built frames, cabins, and control modules, embedding resilience into supply chains.
$144 Billion in Foreign Investments Anchor Resilience
The Global Supply Chain Resilience Initiative has already attracted $144 billion in foreign and joint industrial investments, with $10 billion in strategic mining-related projects supported by $2 billion in incentives. Saudi Arabia critical minerals are now tied to Industry 5.0 ambitions, blending human creativity with automation to deliver sustainable growth.
Also Read: Strategic Investments in Saudi’s $2.5T Untapped Minerals
