Industry, Investment Ministries Extend Application Submission Deadline for Phase Two of Exploration Enablement Program

The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and the Ministry of Investment have announced an extension of the application period for Phase Two of the Exploration Enablement Program. Companies may now submit their application until May 1, 2025, extending the deadline from the previously announced date of April 1, 2025.
 This extension aims to provide additional opportunities for both local and international mining companies to participate in the program, contributing to the accelerated discovery and development of mineral resources across the Kingdom.
 According to a Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources press release, the application evaluation phase will take place between May 1 and May 31, 2025, followed by the approval stage, framework agreement signing, and announcement of selected companies, which will run from June 1 to July 31, 2025.
 The Mining Exploration Enablement Program seeks to strengthen exploration activities, enhance the mining sector’s contribution to the national economy, and expand the scope of geological exploration, particularly in underexplored regions.
 The program also supports the development of local talent and capabilities, while improving geological knowledge through the provision of modern, high-quality data aligned with international standards — thereby supporting investors and stakeholders in the mining sector.
 Participation in the program requires meeting a set of criteria defined by the ministry, including a focus on Category A strategic minerals (such as copper, lithium, nickel, gold, and iron) as outlined in the Mining Investment Law Prioritization of previously unexplored areas, holding a valid exploration license, demonstrating a strong track record in mineral exploration, a commitment to utilizing local service providers, supporting the growth of domestic businesses and strengthening local supply chains.
 The second phase of the Exploration Enablement Program was launched in January 2025, in partnership with the Ministry of Investment, with the objective of reducing early-stage exploration risks and attracting greater investment into Saudi Arabia’s mineral sector.
 As part of its broader strategy, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources also announced during the Fourth Future Minerals Forum the offering of 50,000 square kilometers of mineralized belts rich in gold, copper, and zinc. This move underscores the Kingdom’s continued efforts to foster a transparent and globally competitive investment environment aligned with the goals of Vision 2030.
 Interested companies can download the guideline and the application from via the Taadeen platform at: https://taadeen.sa/en/exploration-enablement-program.