JAKARTA – Saudi Arabia identified 5,651 mineralization sites throughout 2024, according to newly released data from the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT).

The findings were published in GASTAT’s Mineral Resources Statistics 2024 bulletin, marking the first comprehensive report of its kind from the statistical authority.

Non-Metallic Deposits Lead Discoveries

Non-metallic minerals dominated the discoveries, representing over half of all sites at 54.1 percent, totaling 3,058 locations. Metallic mineral sites came in second at 42.9 percent with 2,423 locations, while sites containing both types of minerals made up approximately 3 percent, amounting to 170 sites.

Mining Licenses Show Strong Growth

The Kingdom has experienced substantial growth in mining activity over the past eight years. Mining licenses climbed from 1,985 in 2016 to 2,401 in 2024, representing cumulative growth of 21 percent. Building materials quarry licenses constituted the largest category in 2024 with 1,481 licenses.

Trade Dynamics Reveal Export Strengths

The bulletin provided detailed insights into the Kingdom’s mineral trade patterns:

Aluminum: Exports reached 283,000 tonnes, comprising 62.9 percent of total aluminum trade, while imports accounted for 167,000 tonnes.

Lead: The Kingdom exported 59,000 tonnes, representing 93.7 percent of total lead trade, with imports at approximately 4,000 tonnes.

Zinc and Nickel: Zinc trade relied almost entirely on imports at 88,000 tonnes, with exports not exceeding 6 tonnes. Nickel trade was exclusively import-based, totaling 407 tonnes.

Phosphate Fertilizer Exports Rise

Phosphate fertilizer exports increased to 5.7 million tonnes in 2024 from 5.4 million tonnes the previous year, reflecting growth of 4.6 percent. Meanwhile, imports of phosphate fertilizers decreased to 66,200 tonnes in 2024, down 51.7 percent compared to 2023.

The comprehensive bulletin covers discovered mineralization sites, issued mining licenses, and the import-export dynamics of minerals and their manufactured products, providing valuable insight into the Kingdom’s expanding mining sector.

Original Article:

Arab News. (2025, December 1). Saudi Arabia’s mining site discoveries reach 5,651 in 2024: GASTAT. Retrieved from https://www.arabnews.com/node/2624604/business-economy