Category: Ministerial Decision

The Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources,

based on the powers entrusted to him by law, based on article 3 of the Mineral Investment Law issued by Royal Decree D/140 dated 19 Shawwal 1441 [11 June 2020], which stipulates: “The ministry is the competent authority to implement the provisions of the law and supervise its implementation, and it may do the following: […] (2) Developing policies for the mining sector and supervising their implementation. […] (17) Determining the ores, minerals, and elements that are not permitted to be developed or that are reserved for exploration or exploitation at a later time or that are subject to special regulation”, in view of the desire of the ministry to prepare an extensive study and comprehensive evaluation of the exploitation of silica sand and its uses,

and after reviewing the presentation of the Deputy for Mining Affairs,

and in pursuance of public interest,

hereby decides

First

The acceptance of applications for exploration licenses for silica sand mineral is hereby suspended.

Second

The competent entity in the ministry shall conduct a comprehensive assessment to study the supply and demand of silica sand mineral, link it to optimal exploitation in industries, and prepare a comprehensive study to assess its resources within the designated and reserved sites for mining activities.

Third

This decision comes into force on its date, and it must be communicated to those who are required to by virtue of it.

Fourth

This decision must be published in the official gazette and the electronic platform of the ministry.

May Allah provide success.

The Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources
Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef