Saudi Arabia extends window of application submission for EEP Wave 3

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM) with collaboration of Ministry of Investment have extend Wave 3 of the Exploration Enablement Program (EEP) application submission stage, a targeted initiative designed to accelerate mineral exploration, reduce early-stage investment risk, and attract high-quality local and international investors to the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding mining sector.

The program is part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transformation of the mining sector under Vision 2030, aimed at unlocking the Kingdom’s vast mineral potential and building resilient, end-to-end mineral value chains.

EEP Wave 3 provides a comprehensive enablement package to support exploration companies strengthening project economics and improving progression from exploration to development.

Key enablement under EEP Wave 3 includes: Up to 25% cash incentives on eligible exploration expenditures, including drilling, laboratory testing, and geoscientific studies Up to 15% salary cost support for employees residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Coverage of up to 70% of total talent local salary costs during the first two years Coverage of up to 100% of total talent local salary costs after the first two years, subject to program requirements

The Applications submission stage for EEP Wave 3 opened on January 14th and runs until May 3rd, 2026. The initiative leverages Saudi Arabia’s investment-attractive environment, political stability, streamlined licensing framework, and integrated mine-to-market infrastructure.

EEP Wave 3 Timeline: 14 January – 3 May 2026: Proposal submission 3 May – 31 June 2026: Proposal evaluation, approval, and signing of funding agreements 1 July – 31 July 2026: Awarding and announcement of successful applicants 1 September – 30 September 2027: EEP data submission January 2028: Technical and financial verification of work programs and approval for enablement disbursement April 2028: Publication of exploration data on the National Geological Database

For more information on EEP Wave 3 and how to apply, visit Exploration enablement program | Ta'adeen Platform: https://taadeen.sa/en/exploration-enablement-program