Saudi minister lauds latest investment ranking
- 11 August 2025
Saudi Arabia vice minister for mining affairs Khalid Al-Mudaifer says the Kingdom’s elevation in the latest global Fraser Institute Mining Investment Attractiveness Index reflects the “structural transformation” of its mining and mineral sector under Vision 2030.
He said the Kingdom surpassed mining jurisdictions in prominent destinations across Asia and Latin America in the institute’s latest annual survey, jumping to 23rd in the 2024 country rankings after being in 104th place in 2013, and underlining its status as one of the world’s fastest-rising powers in the mining sector.
“Our focus remains on maximising the economic value of our mineral resources, creating jobs for citizens, and localising supply chains,” Al-Mudaifer said.
“Mining is no longer a traditional sector, rather it has become a key driver of industrial and economic growth and we are committed to building on this momentum to ensure sustainable success.”
Saudi Arabia rose from 82nd globally in 2013 to 20th in 2024 in the Policy Perception Index (PPI) of the latest Fraser Institute survey rankings, which the vice-minister said reflected growing international confidence in its stable regulatory environment.
Meanwhile the Mineral Potential Index (MPI) ranking saw a significant leap to 24th in 2024, up from 58th in 2013.
Al-Mudaifer said the vast scale of the Kingdom’s untapped mineral wealth was being further demonstrated by new discoveries and heavily backed mining licensing rounds, underpinned by ongoing geological surveys.
The Fraser Institute noted the Kingdom’s rise was driven by broad regulatory change covering security of tenure, taxation, environmental legislation, infrastructure and community engagement. These efforts enabled Saudi Arabia to enter the top quartile of the index for the first time. The institute’s latest report indicated investors expressed no concerns about political stability and praised Saudi Arabia’s Mining Exploration Enablement Program as an effective tool for reducing investment risks and increasing confidence in early-stage projects.
It cited significant improvements in the clarity and effectiveness of mining administration (ranking Saudi Arabia 11th globally) and advances in labour regulations and the quality of geological data.
