In line with King Fahd’s policy in other sectors of the economy, the Saudi Government has been eager to train Saudi nationals to play the fullest possible part in the exploitation of the Kingdom’s mineral wealth.

In March 1997, in order to coordinate projects and promote efficiency in the mining industry, the Saudi Arabian Mining Company (MAADEN) was created, with an initial capital of more than $1 billion. The company is responsible for regulating mineral exploration and overseeing its progress. Mining projects wholly or partly owned by the Government will be consolidated and restructured in the commercial sector. MAADEN will also provide sufficient basic infrastructure for mining projects located in more remote areas. MAADEN has obtained exploration licenses for the gold deposits in Wadi Bidah, Al-Hajar, Ad-Duwaihi, Samran, Sheban, Zalm and Hamdah, for phosphate ore in Wadi Al Sarhan and Turaif, for magnesium in Zargat, Jabal Abt and Jabal Al Rukham, for zinc in Al Khnaiguiyah, as well as licenses for exploration of industrial metals in Jabal Sodah.