“The outlook is exciting, but ultimately the sector’s success depends on proving the size and economic viability of its resources.”
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What updates can you share from the past year at MSA Arabia?
AB: Over the past year, MSA Arabia has continued to increase in size and stature. 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 three-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?
WR: We have seen significant interest in Saudi Arabia, driven by growing involvement from international mining companies. Exploration along the boundary of the platform with the Arabian Nubian Shield remains limited, owing to the thick sedimentary cover, and therefore appeals to geological exploration companies, in particular those companies wanting to implement advanced geophysical and machine-learning exploration techniques in exploration work plans.
How would you say MSA Arabia differentiates itself from its competition?
AB: 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 Maaden portal allows direct access to opportunities.
What is the potential of Saudi Arabia’s geology?
AB: Much of Saudi Arabia’s highly prospective ground is already licensed and I am confident that major discoveries will be made across the Arabian Shield in future years. 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 which may represent an opportunity for other companies.
Do you think the exploration licensing system could be improved?
AB: 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.
What is the strategic importance of Saudi Arabian mining on the global stage?
AB: 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. 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.
WR: The Kingdom pairs advanced capabilities with environmental responsibility, low energy costs, and sustainable practices. The sector is diversifying, with rapid growth in juniors mining and exploration company involvement. All these factors have contributed toward achieving local skills development and achieving the objectives of a world class mining sector, as outlined in Vision 2030
How would you define the key challenges facing Saudi Arabian mining operations?
AB: Key challenges include water scarcity, environmental sensitivities, and skill shortages. We aim to address these by developing local talent, employing Saudi geologists to meet Saudization requirements.
WR: The Kingdom is actively mitigating water shortages through major infrastructure projects. Large-scale desalination provides reliable supply, and mining companies are installing extensive pipelines to support operations in arid areas. A shortage of skilled technical staff, particularly local staffing, will continue, due to the exponential growth in the sector out-pacing the skills development
What is your view on mining across the wider Middle East region?
AB: MSA Arabia is engaged in a government-led project in Egypt to make the country more attractive to investors, with discussions underway for an extension. Other regional countries are observing Saudi and Egypt’s progress and exploring similar initiatives. Traditionally petroleum-focused economies are increasingly seeking diversification, aligned with strategies like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
What updates can you share from the past year at MSA Arabia?
AB: Over the past year, MSA Arabia has continued to increase in size and stature. 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 three-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?
WR: We have seen significant interest in Saudi Arabia, driven by growing involvement from international mining companies. Exploration along the boundary of the platform with the Arabian Nubian Shield remains limited, owing to the thick sedimentary cover, and therefore appeals to geological exploration companies, in particular those companies wanting to implement advanced geophysical and machine-learning exploration techniques in exploration work plans.
How would you say MSA Arabia differentiates itself from its competition?
AB: 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 Maaden portal allows direct access to opportunities.
What is the potential of Saudi Arabia’s geology?
AB: Much of Saudi Arabia’s highly prospective ground is already licensed and I am confident that major discoveries will be made across the Arabian Shield in future years. 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 which may represent an opportunity for other companies.
Do you think the exploration licensing system could be improved?
AB: 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.
What is the strategic importance of Saudi Arabian mining on the global stage?
AB: 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. 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.
WR: The Kingdom pairs advanced capabilities with environmental responsibility, low energy costs, and sustainable practices. The sector is diversifying, with rapid growth in juniors mining and exploration company involvement. All these factors have contributed toward achieving local skills development and achieving the objectives of a world class mining sector, as outlined in Vision 2030
How would you define the key challenges facing Saudi Arabian mining operations?
AB: Key challenges include water scarcity, environmental sensitivities, and skill shortages. We aim to address these by developing local talent, employing Saudi geologists to meet Saudization requirements.
WR: The Kingdom is actively mitigating water shortages through major infrastructure projects. Large-scale desalination provides reliable supply, and mining companies are installing extensive pipelines to support operations in arid areas. A shortage of skilled technical staff, particularly local staffing, will continue, due to the exponential growth in the sector out-pacing the skills development
What is your view on mining across the wider Middle East region?
AB: MSA Arabia is engaged in a government-led project in Egypt to make the country more attractive to investors, with discussions underway for an extension. Other regional countries are observing Saudi and Egypt’s progress and exploring similar initiatives. Traditionally petroleum-focused economies are increasingly seeking diversification, aligned with strategies like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
