Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, in cooperation with the Ministry of Investment, has announced the launch of the third round of the Mining Exploration Enablement Program, as part of efforts to accelerate mineral exploration in the Kingdom, reduce early-stage investment risks, and attract high-quality investments from local and international mining companies.
According to a ministry statement, the third round offers a comprehensive support package targeting exploration companies and holders of mining exploration licenses.
The package includes cash incentives covering up to 25% of eligible exploration expenditures — such as drilling activities, laboratory testing, and geological studies — along with wage support of up to 15% for technical staff and experts residing in Saudi Arabia.
The statement added that the program will also cover up to 70% of the salaries of Saudi technicians during the first two years, rising to 100% thereafter. This is intended to help develop national talent, build capabilities in mineral exploration, promote job localization, and facilitate the transfer of geological knowledge.
The ministry noted that applications will close on March 31, 2026. This will be followed by an evaluation phase and the signing of agreements from April 1 to May 31, with qualified projects to be announced between June 1 and July 31.
The Mining Exploration Enablement Program focuses on supporting strategic minerals of national priority and strengthening geological knowledge through up-to-date, internationally standardized data. This approach enables investors to make informed decisions while supporting the growth of national companies and local supply chains.
