JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region, home to an estimated SR4.6 trillion ($1.22 trillion) in mineral resources, is emerging as a key driver of economic growth and investment, according to the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources.
The region is a major hub for phosphate production, a critical component in global food security due to its use in agricultural fertilizers. Mining projects in Waad Al-Shamal, an industrial city dedicated to the sector, have positioned Saudi Arabia among the world’s leading phosphate producers and exporters.
As part of Vision 2030, the Kingdom is accelerating efforts to develop its mining sector and reduce its reliance on oil and gas. The ministry has identified mining as a key pillar of economic transformation, focusing on resource efficiency and attracting both local and international investment.
Jarrah bin Mohammed Al-Jarrah, spokesman for the ministry, said the region contains significant deposits of phosphate, coal, dolomite, limestone, and silica sand. It also has five phosphate ore sites and 29 active mining licenses, including 15 for building material quarries and 14 for mineral exploitation.
Beyond mining, the Northern Borders region is expanding its industrial footprint, with 61 factories operating across Arar, Tarif, and Rafha in sectors such as building materials, food processing, and chemicals, Al-Jarrah said.
The developments come as Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef began a visit to the region on Feb. 16 to assess industrial and development projects aimed at strengthening its role as a mining hub. His visit aligns with the ministry’s broader strategy to attract investment and position mining as a key sector in Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification.
The country’s mining ambitions have gained significant momentum in recent years. At a meeting in July, Alkhorayef said the estimated value of the Kingdom’s mineral wealth had surged from $1.3 trillion to $2.5 trillion by early 2024 — a 90 percent increase — driven by government investments in geological surveys, exploration, and private sector participation.
The rise in valuation reflects a more comprehensive understanding of the country’s vast mineral potential, as well as increasing demand for critical minerals needed for global energy transitions.
