Najran mineral wealth hits 227B riyals – Deputy Minister
His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Planning and Development, Dr. Abdullah bin Ali Al-Ahmari, confirmed that the estimated value of unexploited mineral wealth in the Najran region has risen from 145 billion riyals to over 227 billion riyals, due to recent updates to the General Geological Survey program. He made these remarks during his participation in the opening session of the Najran Investment Forum 2025, which began today under the patronage and attendance of His Highness Prince Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed, Governor of Najran Region.
Al-Ahmari explained that the region is rich in strategic minerals including gold, silver, copper, and zinc. It also contains four sites for mineral reserves, metallized sulfide belts, 27 mining complexes, in addition to three new mining complexes designated for ordinary sand.
He pointed out that Najran granite enjoys high demand in many global markets due to its high quality and competitive advantage, being exported to around 28 countries, including Gulf countries, France, Germany, and the United States. For this reason, the Ministry has focused on developing the Bir Askar Granite Complex to enhance production and support exports.
Al-Ahmari stated that the Najran region represents a land of promising opportunities for investment in all mining activities, especially given the competitive advantages and resources the region possesses, including abundant natural resources, its strategic location on the southern border of the Kingdom, proximity to Jazan Port, and rapidly developing infrastructure. He invited investors to explore premium opportunities on the “Ma’aden” platform.
Regarding the industrial sector, the Deputy Minister emphasized that the National Industrial Strategy focuses on developing 12 promising industrial sectors, including pharmaceuticals, food, automotive, aviation, and maritime industries, offering unique investment opportunities.
He highlighted that the number of factories in the Kingdom currently exceeds 12,000, while the Ministry aims to expand the industrial base to 36,000 factories by 2035. In Najran alone, the number of factories has reached 90, with investments exceeding 4.8 billion riyals and industrial loans totaling 880 million riyals.
Al-Ahmari also noted the Ministry’s continuous support for innovation in the industrial and mining sectors. At the end of last year, the Ministry launched the Innovative Industrial and Mining Products Program, which supports innovators at all stages, from idea generation and experimental testing to successful product development. Since the program’s launch, 100 innovative ideas have been submitted and are currently under evaluation.
Additionally, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources participated with a pavilion at the exhibition accompanying the Najran Investment Forum 2025, showcasing the objectives of the National Industrial Strategy, the comprehensive mining strategy, and the promising investment opportunities available. The pavilion also highlighted the enablers provided by the Ministry to stimulate investment and facilitate investors’ journeys in the industrial and mining sectors.