Riyadh: The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM) has announced the extension of the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) deadline for its 11th exploration tender license, which covers eight mineral-rich sites over an area exceeding 1,878 km². Interested companies now have until July 31 to participate in this tender round.
According to Saudi Press Agency, companies wishing to join the process must register on the Ta'adeen online bidding platform to access and complete the PQQ. The tender round offers investment opportunities for both local and international investors to explore minerals such as gold, silver, copper, zinc, iron, and nickel. The exploration sites are located across the Riyadh, Hail, and Aseer regions, including areas like Ashab adh Dhaib, Jabal Minyah, and Jabal Idsas.
This deadline extension comes in response to investor feedback received during the Fifth Future Minerals Forum. The ministry emphasizes that investors can review technical data and bidding documents via the Ta'adeen digital platform, which aims to streamline procedures and ensure transparency in the bidding process.
The tender process is fully automated and consists of three phases: the prequalification phase, site selection through an electronic competition platform, and a multi-round live auction. This approach allows companies to compete based on their exploration spending commitments for the first two years of contested sites.
The tender package is a result of the Accelerated Exploration Program by the ministry, in collaboration with the Saudi Geological Survey (SGS). Fieldwork conducted includes thousands of surface, trench, and down-hole samples, along with extensive drilling, which provides comprehensive geological data to support mining investments.
This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia's broader strategy to enhance its appeal as a global mining investment hub. The Kingdom's rise in the Fraser Institute's Investment Attractiveness Index from 23rd in 2024 to 10th in 2025 underscores increasing investor confidence in the sector's regulatory and legislative framework.