Saudi Maaden Doubles Profits in Second Quarter of 2024

The Maaden Aluminum Station in Ras Al-Khair, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)
The Maaden Aluminum Station in Ras Al-Khair, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)
TT

Saudi Maaden Doubles Profits in Second Quarter of 2024

The Maaden Aluminum Station in Ras Al-Khair, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)
The Maaden Aluminum Station in Ras Al-Khair, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)

The net profits of the Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) doubled by approximately 192 percent to one billion riyals ($266 million) during the second quarter of 2024, compared to SAR 350.9 million ($93 million) during the same period last year.

In a statement on Tadawul, the company attributed the growth to the increase in total profit by 35 percent to SAR 572 million as a result of the rise in selling prices, the decrease in the cost of raw materials, and depreciation expenses.

In addition, an insurance claim of SAR 270 million and a one-off severance charge of SAR 192 million contributed to the higher profit, the company stated.

This increase in net profit was partially offset by a decrease in sales volume for all products, except for basic aluminum, flat rolled products and gold.

Sales increased by 3 percent to SAR 7.1 billion, compared to SAR 6.9 billion in the same period of 2023.

“We delivered a strong first half of 2024, demonstrating our ability to realize the benefits of operational efficiencies in a stable environment,” Maaden CEO Bob Wilt said.

He continued: “Our large-scale Phosphate 3 project is progressing, with construction underway, and we are moving forward with a new aluminum recycling plant at Ras Al-Khair.”

“Additionally, the successful completion of our investment in Vale Base Metals through Manara, is set to increase our exposure to green metals,” Wilt underlined, adding: “Our strategic partnerships and technology-led innovation programs are fast-tracking mineral discoveries through the world’s largest greenfield exploration program of its kind.”



Saudi Finance Minister: 2025 Budget Aims to Continue Expanding Strategic Spending

Al-Jadaan speaking at the press conference (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Al-Jadaan speaking at the press conference (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Saudi Finance Minister: 2025 Budget Aims to Continue Expanding Strategic Spending

Al-Jadaan speaking at the press conference (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Al-Jadaan speaking at the press conference (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan outlined the objectives of the 2025 budget, emphasizing a continued focus on strategic spending for developmental projects aligned with sectoral strategies and Vision 2030 programs.
He added that the budget aims to support initiatives that deliver sustainable economic, social, and environmental benefits, while enhancing the business environment, improving the Kingdom’s trade balance, and increasing both the volume and quality of local and foreign investments.
Speaking at a press conference following the Cabinet’s approval of the budget, Al-Jadaan highlighted the government’s commitment to expansionary spending due to its positive impact on citizens. He noted that Saudi Arabia’s economy has become more resilient to fluctuations in oil markets, reflecting ongoing structural changes.
The non-oil economy is projected to grow by 3.7% by the end of 2024, he said, with non-oil activities contributing 52% to GDP during the first half of the current year.
The minister also revealed that since the launch of Vision 2030, non-oil revenues have increased by 154%. Oil’s share of GDP currently stands at 28%, and the nominal GDP has reached SAR 4.1 trillion, he remarked.

Moreover, Al-Jadaan said that private investment’s contribution to GDP has grown from 16% in 2016 to 24.7% today. The industrial sector is set to attract SAR 30 billion ($8 billion) in investments in 2025, alongside SAR 12.3 billion ($3.2 billion) in credit facilities to support Saudi exporters. Tourism has also emerged as a significant driver of economic growth, ranking as the second-largest contributor to the balance of payments after oil.
The Saudi minister emphasized the encouraging economic indicators, noting the surge in small and medium-sized enterprises driven by government spending. He reiterated the government’s cautious and conservative approach to budget preparation, reflected in revenue figures.
Structural changes in the Kingdom’s economy are beginning to yield tangible results, with a 33% increase in spending on strategies and programs aimed at achieving Vision 2030, according to Al-Jadaan. These efforts are expected to sustain economic growth, foster diversification, and further strengthen the Kingdom’s global economic standing, he stated.