Saudi mining licenses soar as kingdom hunts critical metals: What to know

Mining licenses in Saudi Arabia surged by 144% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 as the kingdom pursues precious metals that will help power the climate transition.

What happened: Some 22 new permits were issued in the first half of 2025, compared to nine in the first half of last year, according to data from the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources released Thursday.  

Investment in minerals exceeded 134 million Saudi riyals ($35.7 million) in the first half…