Riyadh – Mubasher: Saudi Arabia has awarded contracts for mining exploration for and precious metal ores, including gold, silver, zinc, and copper in six sites across the kingdom covering a total area of 1000 square kilometres.

The awarded entities are the Discovery Arabian Mining, Al Masane Al Kobra Mining (AMAK), Alliance of Eqleed Group and Indotan Mining, Saudi Arabian Mining (Maaden), and Royal Roads Arabia, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The contracts constitute the fifth round of an exploration competition launched by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM).

The round covers Al-Halahilah, Jabal Qaran, Makman Hijab, Al-Hijra, Nimas, and Al Miyah exploration sites.

MIM, through spokesperson Jarrah bin Mohammed Al Jarrah, announced that the round received 30 proposals from 18 local and international bidders.

He revealed that successful bidders committed over SAR 136 million to exploration spending, with an additional SAR 15 million for community development and local job creation across the sites.

Discovery Arabian Mining Company secured the Al-Halahilah site in Najran, pledging SAR 4.90 million for exploration and SAR 1.87 million for local social development initiatives.

AMAK committed SAR 46 million for exploration at both Jabal Qaran and Al-Hijra sites in Najran and Aseer regions, respectively, focusing on copper, gold, and other minerals.

Eqleed Group and Indotan Mining Alliance will invest SAR 6.30 million in exploring the Makman Hijab site in Riyadh for gold and silver ores.

Maaden's commitment to the Nimas site in Aseer includes SAR 17.90 million for exploration and community initiatives, aiming to develop copper, silver, and gold deposits.

Moreover, Royal Roads Arabia allocated SAR 14.60 million to explore the Al Miyah site in Makkah, emphasizing community engagement and local employment.