The strategic focus on mining and economic diversification positions Qassim as a key player in the Kingdom’s resource sector

Saudi Arabia’s Qassim region is poised to play a vital role in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative, with its untapped mineral wealth exceeding SR122 billion ($32.5 billion). This significant mineral resource base has the potential to transform Qassim into a cornerstone of the nation’s economic diversification efforts, according to a spokesman from the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources.

Jarrah bin Mohammed Al-Jarrah announced via X that the region boasts high-quality mineral ores, including lead, tin, granite, and tungsten, which are essential for various industries worldwide. The strategic emphasis on the mining sector has catapulted it to the forefront of national development plans, with Saudi Arabia’s total mineral wealth estimated at an impressive SR9.4 trillion.

The breakdown of Qassim’s resources reveals a rich tapestry of valuable minerals. Gold accounts for SR87.7 billion of the total value, while bauxite is valued at SR24.6 billion, zinc at SR4.7 billion, copper at SR4 billion, and silver at SR1.4 billion. The region is notable for its 35 mineralised belts, including 16 dedicated to gold, 15 to copper and lead, three to nickel, and one to zinc. Additionally, Qassim features eight phosphate reserve sites and a mining complex for bauxite ore, along with 32 mining complexes that cater to construction materials—17 for gravel, nine for sand, and six for fill materials.

The industrial landscape of Qassim is robust, housing 580 factories that produce a wide array of goods. Approximately 84% of these facilities are situated in the region’s main cities, including Buraidah, Unaizah, Al-Rass, and Al-Badayea. Key industries in the region encompass food and beverage production, basic goods, pharmaceuticals, and rubber and plastic manufacturing.

The region’s industrial workforce comprises around 35,000 employees, with women making up over 15% of this figure. This reflects ongoing initiatives to empower women within the industrial sector, promoting gender diversity in a traditionally male-dominated field.

On October 9, Bandar Alkhorayef, the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, visited Qassim to inaugurate several projects within the industrial cities overseen by the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON). His visit also included the launch of the “Youth of Industry” forum, aimed at fostering national skills within the industrial sector through specialised workshops and career counselling.

During his visit, Alkhorayef is expected to unveil initiatives designed to enhance human capabilities within both the industrial and mining sectors. He will also engage with investors during factory visits, further demonstrating the government’s commitment to attracting foreign capital and expertise to the region.

Saudi Arabia’s vast mineral reserves offer strong potential for producing materials crucial for energy transition, such as aluminium, copper, and rare earth elements. These resources are not only vital for the Kingdom’s economic growth but are also essential for global agriculture and various other industries.

As the world increasingly shifts away from traditional energy sources, Qassim’s mineral wealth positions Saudi Arabia to become a leading exporter of diverse energy types, thereby redefining the Kingdom’s role in the global economy. With the focus on mining and industrial development, Qassim is set to emerge as a key player in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 vision, driving sustainable economic growth and diversification.