“The outlook is exciting, but ultimately the sector’s success depends on proving the size and economic viability of its resources.”
Share
What updates can you share from the past year at MSA Arabia?
Our project numbers have risen significantly, reflecting growing market demand, with activities including prospectivity studies, license identification, and on-the-ground surveying, mapping and sampling. Our work on the 3-year Accelerated Exploration Programme (AEP) with our local partner and the Saudi Geological Survey will also conclude in late 2025.
Could you tell us more about the enquiries MSA is receiving in Saudi Arabia?
MSA Arabia has seen strong demand from companies seeking exploration licenses, with clients keen to understand available opportunities and mineralization potential in underexplored areas. Our recent work has included identifying prospective ground in KSA as well as designing and implementing field programs, including geochemical surveys and an ongoing six-month structural mapping project. Companies increasingly approach us to understand the competitive landscape, identify prospective areas, and establish a foothold within Saudi Arabia’s rapidly developing mining sector.
How does MSA Arabia differentiate itself from its competition?
MSA Arabia benefits from a permanent, fully accredited office in Saudi Arabia, combining local staff with experienced expatriates to deliver competitive, high-quality services. Meeting Saudization requirements is increasingly important for major clients, and our registration on the Ma’aden portal allows direct access to opportunities. With over 15 years of experience in the kingdom, we focus on sustainable growth by developing local talent under expert guidance while leveraging deep market and technical expertise.
What is the potential of Saudi Arabia’s geology?
Much of Saudi Arabia’s highly prospective ground is already licensed and I am confident discoveries will be made across the Arabian Shield in future years, though the scale of these discoveries remains uncertain at present. While surface exploration on the shield is straightforward, deeper and covered targets represent the next frontier for discovery and longer-term opportunity.
Beyond the shield, the Arabian platform and shelf are underexplored and may host different types of concealed deposits.
How could the licensing system be improved?
Saudi Arabia uses a twin-track licensing system. Auction bid rounds target highly prospective areas, providing a transparent and relatively fast path to license awards, while a first-come, first-served process allows individual applications.
Many clients have multiple applications pending and the Ministry faces a heavy workload of processing these, testament to the success of attracting companies into KSA. Whilst improvements have occurred, the industry still ideally requires shorter timelines for licences to be issued so they can quickly implement their exploration programmes.
What is the strategic importance of Saudi Arabian mining on the global stage?
Saudi Arabia has a clear role to play in the global market as countries seek alternative metal supplies outside of China. If the Kingdom can demonstrate a viable and sustainable supply, its importance will grow significantly. The unanswered questions concern both scale and economic recoverability, which only exploration can resolve.
Should exploration confirm substantial resources, I expect strong interest from Western companies, whether through offtake agreements or strategic partnerships with Saudi firms. These dynamics position the kingdom as a potentially critical supplier in the years ahead. The outlook is exciting, but ultimately the sector’s success depends on proving the size and economic viability of its resources.
What are the key challenges facing Saudi Arabian mining operations?
Key challenges for mining in Saudi Arabia include water scarcity, environmental sensitivities, and skill shortages. At MSA Arabia, we aim to address these by developing local talent, employing Saudi geologists to meet Saudization requirements and leverage their understanding of the country’s geology. Through mentoring and training, we enhance both careers and national capacity.
Simultaneously, we advise clients on critical issues – water, infrastructure and environmental considerations – early in project planning, ensuring they understand and can responsibly address these challenges.
What is your view on mining across the wider Middle East region?
Beyond Saudi Arabia, MSA Arabia is engaged in a government-led project in Egypt to make the country more attractive to investors. Other regional countries are observing Saudi and Egypt’s progress and exploring similar initiatives. We are also involved in projects in many other Middle Eastern countries.
Traditionally petroleum-focused economies are increasingly seeking diversification, aligned with strategies like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. With offices in Saudi Arabia and Cairo, we are committed to the region long term, planning to expand our footprint and pursue additional projects and partnerships across new jurisdictions.
What updates can you share from the past year at MSA Arabia?
Our project numbers have risen significantly, reflecting growing market demand, with activities including prospectivity studies, license identification, and on-the-ground surveying, mapping and sampling. Our work on the 3-year Accelerated Exploration Programme (AEP) with our local partner and the Saudi Geological Survey will also conclude in late 2025.
Could you tell us more about the enquiries MSA is receiving in Saudi Arabia?
MSA Arabia has seen strong demand from companies seeking exploration licenses, with clients keen to understand available opportunities and mineralization potential in underexplored areas. Our recent work has included identifying prospective ground in KSA as well as designing and implementing field programs, including geochemical surveys and an ongoing six-month structural mapping project. Companies increasingly approach us to understand the competitive landscape, identify prospective areas, and establish a foothold within Saudi Arabia’s rapidly developing mining sector.
How does MSA Arabia differentiate itself from its competition?
MSA Arabia benefits from a permanent, fully accredited office in Saudi Arabia, combining local staff with experienced expatriates to deliver competitive, high-quality services. Meeting Saudization requirements is increasingly important for major clients, and our registration on the Ma’aden portal allows direct access to opportunities. With over 15 years of experience in the kingdom, we focus on sustainable growth by developing local talent under expert guidance while leveraging deep market and technical expertise.
What is the potential of Saudi Arabia’s geology?
Much of Saudi Arabia’s highly prospective ground is already licensed and I am confident discoveries will be made across the Arabian Shield in future years, though the scale of these discoveries remains uncertain at present. While surface exploration on the shield is straightforward, deeper and covered targets represent the next frontier for discovery and longer-term opportunity.
Beyond the shield, the Arabian platform and shelf are underexplored and may host different types of concealed deposits.
How could the licensing system be improved?
Saudi Arabia uses a twin-track licensing system. Auction bid rounds target highly prospective areas, providing a transparent and relatively fast path to license awards, while a first-come, first-served process allows individual applications.
Many clients have multiple applications pending and the Ministry faces a heavy workload of processing these, testament to the success of attracting companies into KSA. Whilst improvements have occurred, the industry still ideally requires shorter timelines for licences to be issued so they can quickly implement their exploration programmes.
What is the strategic importance of Saudi Arabian mining on the global stage?
Saudi Arabia has a clear role to play in the global market as countries seek alternative metal supplies outside of China. If the Kingdom can demonstrate a viable and sustainable supply, its importance will grow significantly. The unanswered questions concern both scale and economic recoverability, which only exploration can resolve.
Should exploration confirm substantial resources, I expect strong interest from Western companies, whether through offtake agreements or strategic partnerships with Saudi firms. These dynamics position the kingdom as a potentially critical supplier in the years ahead. The outlook is exciting, but ultimately the sector’s success depends on proving the size and economic viability of its resources.
What are the key challenges facing Saudi Arabian mining operations?
Key challenges for mining in Saudi Arabia include water scarcity, environmental sensitivities, and skill shortages. At MSA Arabia, we aim to address these by developing local talent, employing Saudi geologists to meet Saudization requirements and leverage their understanding of the country’s geology. Through mentoring and training, we enhance both careers and national capacity.
Simultaneously, we advise clients on critical issues – water, infrastructure and environmental considerations – early in project planning, ensuring they understand and can responsibly address these challenges.
What is your view on mining across the wider Middle East region?
Beyond Saudi Arabia, MSA Arabia is engaged in a government-led project in Egypt to make the country more attractive to investors. Other regional countries are observing Saudi and Egypt’s progress and exploring similar initiatives. We are also involved in projects in many other Middle Eastern countries.
Traditionally petroleum-focused economies are increasingly seeking diversification, aligned with strategies like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. With offices in Saudi Arabia and Cairo, we are committed to the region long term, planning to expand our footprint and pursue additional projects and partnerships across new jurisdictions.
