Saudi Arabia qualifies 24 firms for new mining exploration licenses

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has qualified 24 local and international companies and consortiums to compete for exploration licenses across three multi-mineral belts. 

The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources said the belts cover a combined area of approximately 13,000 sq. km across five regions: Madinah, Makkah, Riyadh, Al Qassim, and Hail. 

The licenses target a range of minerals, including gold, silver, copper, nickel and zinc, with estimated mineral resources valued at SR9.4 trillion ($2.5 trillion). ...