The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM) reported that the number of mining complexes in Saudi Arabia reached 377 by the end of 2022. The mining complexes spans over 44,365 square kilometers, across 13 regions. Makkah Region came at the top with 76 complexes, followed by Riyadh with 60 complexes, Al-Madinah with 53 complexes, and Asir with 34 complexes. Eastern Province comes next with 25 complexes, Najran with 24 complexes, Qassim with 23 complexes, Al-Jouf with 20 complexes, Al-Baha with 17 complexes, Hail with 16 complexes, Tabuk with 14 complexes, Jizan with 11 complexes and the Northern Borders Province with 4 complexes. The mining complexes consist of over 20 different minerals, including gravel, gold, iron, copper, granite and marble. The Ministry also reported that the number of mineral belts in Saudi Arabia reached 35 belts, as of 2022, across 305,000 square kilometers, 14% of the Kingdom's size; 94% of these belts are located in the Arabian Shield, which covers 622,00 square kilometers. The mineral deposits of these belts represent about 75% of Saudi Arabia's mineral deposits, which is estimated at 5 trillion Saudi riyals. The mineral belts are distributed over the administrative regions of the Kingdom, with 9 belts in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, 7 in Asir, 6 in Riyadh, 5 in Tabuk, 4 in Medina, 2 in Al-Baha, 1 in Al-Qassim, and 1 in Najran. The mineral belts are distributed according to the type of 16 belts for gold, 15 belts for sulfides, 3 belts for nickel and one belt for zinc. In 2020, the ministry updated the mining investment law in the Kingdom to unleash the sector's potential, improve transparency and maintain investors' confidence. The new law also created an integrated mining system built for the long term, protecting workers and the environment alike. The ministry aims to develop the areas adjacent to mining activities by creating job opportunities for communities living in these areas and increasing local spending. In contrast, the environmental management plan of each mining activity requires investors to provide environmental impact studies and rehabilitation and closure plans of mining sites. — SG
