Unearthing the transformative potential of Saudi Arabia’s mining sector

the establishment of a dedicated mining ministry underscores the sector’s importance and provides a direct point of contact for investors. (Shutterstock)
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Updated 28 July 2024
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Unearthing the transformative potential of Saudi Arabia’s mining sector

  • Focus on economic diversification places mining sector at the forefront of national development plans

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s mining sector is on the cusp of a transformative era, with the Kingdom determined to become a global leader in the industry. But have you wondered what treasures lie beneath its lands?

Saudi Arabia is rich in minerals essential for various global industries. The Kingdom is transforming into a leading exporter of diverse energy types, shifting away from its traditional role as an oil producer.

It has strong potential to produce minerals that are essential for energy transition, such as aluminum, copper, and rare earth elements, as well as minerals needed for global agriculture.

The strategic focus on economic diversification has placed the mining sector at the forefront of national development plans, with the Kingdom’s mineral wealth valued at an estimated SR9.4 trillion ($2.4 trillion).

Open for business

According to the World Risk Report 2023 released by UK-based research and consultancy firm MineHutte, Saudi Arabia's mining sector reforms have seen it recognized as the fastest-growing regulatory and investment-friendly environment globally over the past five years.

The report also stated that the Kingdom has been ranked the second-best country for its licensing environment.

This comes as Saudi Arabia saw a 138 percent increase in the number of exploitation licenses issued since implementing the new Mining Investment Law in 2021.

According to Gaute Andreassen, a partner at Bain and Co.’s Advanced Manufacturing and Services and Energy and Natural Resources practices, while some resources are already being mined, there is still a significant amount that has not yet been tapped into.

“The mining sector in Saudi Arabia has for many years been primarily focused on phosphate for fertilizers and bauxite, used in the production of aluminum. These two will also in the future represent a key portion of the sector activities,” Andreassen told Arab News.

He added: “Going forward, there is evidence of additional endowment, e.g. of rare earth elements and also of copper that can be extracted. The question is whether these resources are commercially viable.”

Rabih Nassar, consulting partner for Resources and Industrial at PwC Middle East, believes that besides phosphate and bauxite, there are other key minerals that are considered particularly promising for development within Saudi Arabia's mining sector.

“At the FMF (Future Minerals Forum) 2024, it was highlighted that Saudi Arabia is rich in minerals like phosphates, gold, copper, zinc, lithium, and rare earth elements. Each of these minerals serves distinct global markets and industries,” Nassar stated.

According to Nassar, gold continues to be in high demand, not just for jewelry and investment, but also for technological applications in electronics and aerospace industries due to its excellent conductivity and resistance to corrosion.

Copper is essential in electrical engineering, electronics, construction, and new green technologies such as electric vehicles and renewable energy systems.

He also highlighted the importance of zinc, which is mainly used for galvanizing to protect steel from corrosion making it essential in the construction and automotive industries. This metal is also crucial in the production of batteries and alloy materials.

Lithium plays a pivotal role in the battery industry, especially for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems.

Moreover, rare earth elements are crucial for the production of permanent magnets used in wind turbines, electric vehicle motors, and various other electronics like smartphones and computers.

Attracting Investment

During FMF 2024 held in January in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia outlined its strategy to attract investment in the mining sector through regulatory reforms, competitive tax frameworks, and enhanced transparency.

Nassar told Arab News that the Kingdom is improving its geological databases and conducting extensive surveys to better map its mineral resources, thereby facilitating informed decision-making for investors.

He aligned the importance of this work with continuing to enhance regulatory frameworks in order to provide a conducive environment for investment.

“These efforts are complemented by strong government support and streamlined processes for mining licenses and operations,” he said, adding: “These initiatives will provide extended expertise and capital, as well as promote knowledge transfer and capacity building, ensuring the sustainable development of the mining industry.”

Chris Braun, a partner at Bain and Co.’s Retail and Energy and Natural Resources practices, also shed light on what the Kingdom will do to attract both domestic and international investment to support the exploration and development of Saudi Arabia's mining resources.

“The Kingdom is already working on establishing several industries that will be off-takers for significant portions of these minerals.That is a very good start. Beyond that, Saudi firms have shown their ability to work well with international partners in pursuing mining-based opportunities,” Braun said.

He added: “Going forward, a big requirement for success is validating the country’s mineral endowment and investing in exploration.”

Braun further emphasized the importance of developing infrastructure to support mining operations, which are often located in remote areas. This includes modern transportation, housing, reliable utilities, and digital access.

“Finally, Saudi Arabia needs to ensure there is sufficient access to critical capabilities and a qualified labor force. Both non-skilled and skilled labor is critical and making sure the Kingdom educates enough mining engineers should be a key priority,” he stated.

Encouraging Private Sector and Foreign Investments

When it comes to foreign investments in Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom presents an attractive destination for those seeking long-term returns and strategic partnerships.

According to PwC, a range of new opportunities and incentives can be anticipated that the Kingdom will extend to both the private sector and foreign investors.

“The government has overhauled its mining laws to make them more investor-friendly,” Nassar said.

This includes streamlining the application and approval processes for mining licenses, ensuring transparency, and reducing regulatory limitations.

The establishment of a dedicated mining ministry underscores the sector's importance and provides a direct point of contact for investors.

Investors in the mining sector can also benefit from tax incentives, such as reduced tax rates and exemptions on import duties for mining equipment.

“The Saudi Industrial Development Fund also offers financial support such as loans with competitive interest rates to encourage investments in mining-related technologies and infrastructure,” Nassar said.

Developing state-of-the-art mining infrastructure can generate significant investments, such as the construction of rail networks, ports, and roads designed to support the mining and transport of minerals.

These developments aim to reduce logistical challenges and operational costs for mining activities.

Saudi Arabia is heavily investing in geological surveys and has made significant strides in making geological data more accessible to investors.

"This initiative, known as the Saudi Geological Survey, provides detailed and reliable data, reducing the exploration risks and costs associated with mining ventures,” the PwC Middle East consulting partner said.

Furthermore, the Kingdom encourages joint ventures between local and international firms as a central strategy.

These partnerships facilitate technology transfer, share expertise, and combine resources for exploration and development projects, making investments more attractive and feasible for foreign companies.

Additionally, the country promotes sustainable mining practices by offering incentives for projects that prioritize environmental conservation, use renewable energy, and implement green technologies in their operations.

“This aligns with global environmental standards and appeals to environmentally conscious investors. These initiatives position Saudi Arabia as a prime location for mining investments, offering extensive opportunities and support to both domestic and foreign investors,” Nassar said.

Saudi Arabia is not sitting back and waiting for the industry to come to the Kingdom. 

Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef is proactive on the world stage, visiting countries he believes can benefit from the substantial growth potential the Kingdom has on offer.

Alkhorayef is currently on a South American trip - set to run from July 22 to 30 – and has already participated in a roundtable meeting hosted by the Federation of Industries in Sao Paulo, where he invited Brazilian companies to invest in Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning mining sector.

What’s next?

When asked to envision Saudi Arabia’s mining sector's future trajectory, Andreassen explained that the Kingdom is well-positioned for success due to its substantial reserves of critical minerals that are important both regionally and globally.

“Saudi Arabia sits on a lot of the levers that are likely to yield success in mining. It has access to many minerals that are critical for the region and globally in the years to come. Through a local major player in the mining sector in the Kingdom. It has the potential to become a global champion if it continues its growth trajectory,” he said.

Andreassen went on to say: “The fact that minerals and mining have been given such a prominent position in the Vision 2030, gives us high comfort that the Saudi government will continue to support the sector and ensure it has the right ramifications to grow profitably and fuel the economy.”

This support is expected to boost the economy through job creation and revenue from the sale of minerals and mineral-derived products like metals, fertilizers, batteries, and cars.

On another positive note, PwC has a bright outlook on Saudi Arabia’s mining sector, stating that it is poised for significant growth, supported by governmental reforms and investments.

“The main opportunities include the expansion into new minerals and the integration of cutting-edge technologies for exploration and processing,” Nassar stated.

He added: “By harnessing the potential of its abundant mineral resources and implementing strategic initiatives, the mining sector is set to become a key driver of economic diversification and sustainable development.”

Mining is pivotal in Riyadh's efforts to steer away from oil dependency, focusing on tapping into substantial reserves of phosphate, gold, copper, and bauxite.
 


Standard Chartered starts custody services for digital assets in UAE

Updated 10 September 2024
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Standard Chartered starts custody services for digital assets in UAE

DUBAI: Standard Chartered said on Tuesday it had begun offering digital asset custody services in the UAE, with Brevan Howard Digital, the crypto and digital asset division of the British hedge fund, as an inaugural client.

The emerging markets focused bank said it launched the business in the country because of its “well-balanced approach to digital asset adoption and financial regulation.”

“Standard Chartered’s global reputation and demonstrated commitment to this space adds a layer of credibility that is meaningful for institutional adoption,” Brevan Howard Digital CEO Gautam Sharma said in a joint statement.

The UAE has been working hard to attract some of the world’s biggest crypto firms, luring business from Binance, OKX, among others. It has also been trying to develop virtual asset regulation to attract new forms of business.

It has also managed to attract big hedge funds.

Standard Chartered is among several banks that have been extending their foray into the crypto sector as more institutional investors adopt the asset class.


Saudi Arabia to scale back debt issuance in H2: Fitch Ratings

Updated 10 September 2024
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Saudi Arabia to scale back debt issuance in H2: Fitch Ratings

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia plans to reduce its debt issuance in the second half of 2024, thanks to substantial dividend payments from Aramco that have alleviated the need for sovereign financing, according to Fitch Ratings.

This decision comes after a period of significant debt issuance in the first half of the year, reflecting the government’s strategic fiscal management.

In the first half of 2024, Saudi Arabia emerged as the largest issuer of US dollar debt among emerging markets, excluding China, and maintained its position as the top global sukuk issuer.

Fitch Ratings anticipates substantial expansion in Saudi Arabia’s debt market in the coming years. Bashar Al-Natoor, global head of Islamic Finance at Fitch, stated.

“The Saudi sukuk and bond market is expected to surpass $500 billion in outstanding value within the next couple of years.”

Al-Natoor highlighted that most Saudi sukuk rated by Fitch are investment-grade, underscoring the robustness of the country’s Islamic finance sector.

Al-Natoor also emphasized the crucial role of Vision 2030 projects, ongoing diversification efforts, and regulatory reforms in fortifying the country’s debt market. He said: “We expect substantial dollar debt issuance to continue in 2025 as oil revenues moderate,” reflecting the necessity for ongoing financing as Saudi Arabia transitions to a more diversified economy.

As the Kingdom pursues its Vision 2030 objectives, these factors will significantly shape its financial markets.

The report highlights that Saudi Arabia’s strategic debt management and reforms position it as a prominent player in global debt markets during its economic transition.

By mid-2024, Saudi Arabia’s debt capital market had expanded by 18 percent year on year to $407.7 billion, with nearly equal proportions in US dollar and riyal-denominated issuances.

The debt issued in the first half of 2024 equaled the total for all of 2023, underscoring the rapid growth of Saudi Arabia’s debt market.

Approximately two-thirds of the 2024 issuances were sukuk, highlighting the Kingdom’s strong preference for Shariah-compliant financing. Additionally, nearly 10 percent of dollar-denominated debt consisted of environmental, social, and governance instruments, reflecting a growing interest in sustainable finance.

Foreign investor participation in Saudi Arabia’s domestic government debt market has surged to 7.2 percent of local issuances by mid-2024, a significant increase from 0.2 percent in 2022.

Local banks continue to dominate the market, holding over 75 percent of the government debt share, with a pronounced focus on sukuk due to Shariah compliance requirements.

While foreign investor participation in Saudi Arabia’s debt market has risen— thanks in part to reforms and the Kingdom's inclusion in global bond indices—domestic banks remain the dominant players. Many of these banks, adhering to Shariah compliance, focus on sukuk rather than conventional bonds, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as the world’s largest sukuk issuer.

The increase in foreign investments is largely attributed to key reforms, including Saudi Arabia’s entry into global bond indices like the FTSE Emerging Markets Government Bond Index and enhanced integration with international central securities depositories such as Euroclear and Clearstream.

Despite the promising growth in the debt market, Fitch Ratings has cautioned that it remains vulnerable to several risks. These include fluctuations in oil prices and interest rates, concerns over the scale and purpose of debt issuance, and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index rises to close at 11,986

Updated 10 September 2024
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index rises to close at 11,986

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index rose on Tuesday, gaining 23.7 points, or 0.2 percent, to close at 11,986.  

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR7.18 billion ($1.94 billion), as 143 of the stocks advanced and 80 retreated.   

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu rose 104.79 points, or 0.42 percent, to close at 25,600.58. This comes as 32 of the listed stocks advanced, while 31 retreated.   

The MSCI Tadawul Index gained 2.0 points, or 0.12 percent, to close at 1,492.12.   

The best-performing stock of the day was Saudi Enaya Cooperative Insurance Co., whose share price surged 9.94 percent to SR17.92.  

Other top performers were Amana Cooperative Insurance Co. as well as Saudi Industrial Development Co., with their share prices rising 9.85 percent and 5.96 percent, respectively. 

The worst performer was Tourism Enterprise Co., whose share price dropped by 4.21 percent to SR0.91.   

Other worst performers were Saudi Fisheries Co. and Miahona Co., with their share prices slipping 4.14 percent and 4.00 percent to reach SR26.6 and SR30, respectively. 

The best performer in the parallel market was Leaf Global Environmental Services Co., whose share price surged 18.88 percent to SR85.  

Other top performers in Nomu were Fad International Co. as well as Qomel Co., with their share prices rising 5.59 percent and 5.5 percent, respectively. 

The worst performer was Banan Real Estate Co., whose share price dropped by 6.18 percent to SR5.16.   

Other worst performers were Enma Al Rawabi Co. and Al Rashid Industrial Co., with their share prices dropping 4.9 percent and 4.37 percent, respectively. 

On the announcement front, the Capital Market Authority approved the public offering of Jadwa Investment Co. for its “Jadwa Saudi Equity Fund II.”

Jadwa Investment is a prominent Saudi asset management and advisory firm established in 2006. 

Known for its focus on Shariah-compliant investments, the company manages a diverse portfolio that spans private equity, real estate, and public markets. 

This move marks another step in the expansion of the Kingdom’s equity fund landscape, which has been gaining momentum as the nation seeks to diversify its economy away from oil dependency.

This follows a series of reforms aimed at modernizing the financial ecosystem, including presenting more sophisticated investment products and the gradual liberalization of the stock market.

A central part of this modernization effort includes the introduction of exchange-traded funds, real estate investment trusts, and various Shariah-compliant financial instruments that cater to the growing demand for diverse investment options.

These reforms also encompass improvements in transparency, governance, and investor protection. The CMA has implemented stricter disclosure requirements and corporate governance standards, ensuring that companies listed on Tadawul adhere to global best practices.


Financial sector key aspect of high-level Saudi Arabia and Germany talks  

Updated 10 September 2024
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Financial sector key aspect of high-level Saudi Arabia and Germany talks  

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia and Germany are set to strengthen their economic ties in the finance sector following high-level talks between officials from both countries. 

The Kingdom’s Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih met with the European country’s Finance Minister Christian Lindner to discuss advancing investment relations, strengthen cooperation and address mutual interests in this critical area.  

This comes as Germany exported €705 million ($775.5 million) worth of goods to Saudi Arabia in June, while imports from the Kingdom totaled $180.4 million, resulting in a trade surplus of $595.1 million, according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity.  

Germany’s exports to Saudi Arabia increased by $89.5 million over the past year, while imports from the Kingdom dropped by $116.6 million, reflecting shifting trade dynamics.   

Referencing his meeting with Lindner In a post on his X account, Al-Falih said: “... we discussed ways to develop and advance investment relations between our two countries in a number of vital sectors of common interest, especially the financial sector.” 

Al-Falih also met with German Vice Chancellor and Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Robert Habeck to explore new avenues for collaboration.  

The meeting, attended by Saudi Ambassador to Germany Prince Abdullah bin Khaled bin Sultan, underscored the commitment to deepening bilateral financial ties. 

Additionally, Al-Falih engaged with Jorg Kukies, state secretary at Germany’s Federal Chancellery, to discuss strategies for strengthening economic relations.  

He also participated in a roundtable meeting with leaders of German companies across various sectors, including automotive, investment funds, energy, manufacturing, and supply chains. 

The minister noted that the meeting reviewed Germany’s key expansion interests in the Kingdom and highlighted the diverse investment opportunities available across various sectors. 

He also attended the NUMOV MENA 2024 conference, focusing on Saudi-German collaboration in emerging and advanced technologies.  

NUMOV, Germany’s oldest and largest organization promoting economic development with the Near and Middle East, has supported bilateral business relationships for 90 years. 

The Saudi minister also participated in the board meeting of the Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where he discussed the partnership between the two countries and the Kingdom’s ambitious plans under Vision 2030. 

He also covered developments in key areas such as renewable energy, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence.


Egypt looks to secure bank financing to strengthen food security

Updated 10 September 2024
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Egypt looks to secure bank financing to strengthen food security

RIYADH: Egypt is actively seeking bank financing to purchase essential commodities and strengthen strategic reserves as part of its efforts to enhance food security.

In a recent meeting with Egyptian Minister of Supply Sherif Farouk, officials from First Abu Dhabi Bank Egypt discussed ways to boost partnerships with the private sector and financial institutions.

They highlighted the importance of bank financing for improving internal trade infrastructure and exploring investment opportunities in the food industry.

This initiative is part of Egypt’s broader strategy to improve food security amid rising global inflation and supply chain disruptions.

The meeting follows the General Authority for Supply Commodities, Egypt’s state grains buyer, issuing its largest-ever tender for 3.8 million metric tonnes of wheat in August.

Farouk emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration with relevant entities in several key areas, including financing the import of essential goods, enhancing strategic reserves, and developing the Egyptian commodity exchange. He also stressed the need to expand silo construction and increase storage capacities.

The meeting was attended by Hossam El-Garhy, deputy head of the General Authority for Supply Commodities, and Ahmed Kamal, assistant minister and official spokesperson for the ministry.

From First Abu Dhabi Bank Egypt, the attendees included Mohamed Abbas Fayad, CEO and managing director; Mohamed Galal El-Din, general manager and head of Financial Markets; Moustafa Fahmy, executive director and head of Global Markets Sales; and Tamer El-Gohary, head of Banking Services.

Farouk highlighted the necessity of creating new avenues for collaboration with financial institutions and enhancing partnerships with the private sector.

The minister reviewed FAB Egypt’s banking offers, financing, and investment opportunities and discussed potential collaboration with the General Authority for Supply Commodities. The goal is to finance the procurement of necessities, bolster strategic reserves, and improve the commodity exchange infrastructure.

Fayad expressed strong enthusiasm for deepening cooperation with the ministry and its affiliates in areas such as internal trade, food security initiatives, and financing various ministry projects. These projects include the development of silos, strategic warehouses, logistics areas, and wholesale and semi-wholesale markets.

Egypt, a major global wheat importer, relies heavily on wheat to subsidize bread for tens of millions of its citizens. The General Authority for Supply Commodities alone imports approximately 5.5 million metric tonnes of wheat annually for this purpose.

GASC is currently seeking wheat shipments for periods spanning the 1st to 15th and the 16th to 30th of each month, starting from October through April, with a specific shipment window in February from the 16th to the 28th. The authority is looking to purchase the wheat on a free-on-board basis using 270-day letters of credit.