Saudi Arabia Japan Critical Minerals Cooperation 2026

Offtake security in Saudi mining is becoming more practical as projects move from plans to operating capacity. In September, the Moyeath Mine became operational and lifted Al Masane Al Kobra Mining Co.’s zinc concentrate capacity by 80% to 80,000 metric tons per year (gross weight). It also increased copper concentrate capacity by 40% to 35,000 metric tons per year (gross weight). In 2024, Saudi Arabia’s exports of zinc concentrates rose by 73% to 102,000 metric tons (gross weight) compared with 2023. These kinds of capacity and export changes matter to Asian buyers because they show what can be contracted, shipped, and renewed over time, not just announced.

Saudi Arabia’s mining push sits inside a formal regulatory and institutional structure. The Mining Investment Law was approved in June 2020, became effective in January 2021, and replaced the 2004 Mining Investment Law. The Deputy Ministry of Mineral Resources, within the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, oversees mining activity and issues licenses and concessions. Yet mining and quarrying still represented 0.4% of GDP in 2024, while crude petroleum and natural gas were 19%. That contrast helps explain why Vision 2030 frames mining as a strategic growth area and why offtake-minded partners watch licensing and investment signals closely.

JOGMEC and the Asian Buyer Angle on Security

Japan’s JOGMEC offers a clear example of how an Asian buyer can structure “security” as infrastructure and risk-sharing, not only purchase contracts. Japan extended a crude storage deal with Saudi Arabia for 2025. Through JOGMEC, 1.3 million kiloliters of capacity across 13 specialized tanks in Okinawa create dual-purpose facilities. The arrangement has JOGMEC acting as an intermediary between private terminal operators, while ENEOS Corporation and Cosmo Oil Company Limited provide leased capacity. The fee structure is designed so JOGMEC compensates terminal operators while granting fee-free access to Saudi Aramco. In a minerals context, that mindset maps to predictable access and shared logistics responsibility, which is central to Saudi Arabia Japan critical minerals cooperation.

For mining offtake, security also depends on whether the operating ecosystem can scale reliably. Saudi Arabia’s mining equipment market was valued at USD 7.32 billion in 2025 and was estimated at USD 7.75 billion in 2026, with a forecast of USD 10.28 billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 5.83% (2026–2031). A separate signal of pipeline depth is the issuance of 61 exploration licenses in 2025, described as the most aggressive release of mineral acreage since sector liberalization. In 2025, surface mining support equipment led with 23.16% market share, and excavation accounted for 41.16%. That buildout supports consistent production, which is the operational base that makes long-term offtake commitments credible.

Automation and underground capability add another layer to deliverability, especially as buyers look for stable supply flows rather than one-off shipments. The mining automation market in Saudi Arabia is expected to reach projected revenue of US$ 135.0 million by 2030, with a CAGR of 6.4% from 2025 to 2030. The underground mining equipment market is expected to reach projected revenue of US$ 2,545.8 million by 2033, with a CAGR of 8.3% from 2026 to 2033. Meanwhile, Saudi mined gold output increased by 21% to 16,293 kilograms in 2024 compared with 2023, attributed to full operation of the Mansourah-Massarah Mine. Together, these indicators help Asian buyers evaluate where offtake security is supported by operating assets, market investment, and scalable systems.

What recent operating change supports stronger offtake security in Saudi mining?

The Moyeath Mine became operational in September, increasing zinc concentrate capacity by 80% to 80,000 metric tons per year and copper concentrate capacity by 40% to 35,000 metric tons per year (gross weight). Saudi exports of zinc concentrates also rose 73% to 102,000 metric tons (gross weight) in 2024 versus 2023.

How does JOGMEC’s model illustrate an Asian buyer approach to security with Saudi Arabia?

Japan’s 2025 storage arrangement uses JOGMEC to manage 1.3 million kiloliters across 13 specialized tanks in Okinawa and to intermediate with private terminal operators. JOGMEC compensates terminal operators while Saudi Aramco receives fee-free access, showing structured risk-sharing and assured access.

What do the mining equipment market figures imply for Saudi deliverability to buyers?

Saudi Arabia’s mining equipment market was valued at USD 7.32 billion in 2025 and estimated at USD 7.75 billion in 2026, with a forecast of USD 10.28 billion by 2031 at a 5.83% CAGR (2026–2031). This supports the capacity and services needed for consistent output that underpins offtake.

What signals show Saudi mining activity is expanding beyond regulation into execution?

The issuance of 61 exploration licenses in 2025 indicates strong pipeline development. Output and export indicators also moved, including a 21% increase in mined gold output to 16,293 kilograms in 2024 and a 73% rise in zinc concentrate exports to 102,000 metric tons (gross weight) in 2024 versus 2023.

How can Saudi Arabia–Japan critical minerals cooperation be framed as “offtake security” rather than just trade?

The article frames cooperation through operational capacity growth in Saudi mining and Japan’s JOGMEC-style security tools that emphasize infrastructure, intermediated arrangements, and risk-sharing. Together, these elements support more predictable access and deliverability for Asian buyers.

Talk to us for your needs in:

Ready to Unlock Mining Growth in Saudi Arabia?

We help mining companies, investors, industrial players, and technology providers turn market opportunities into practical strategies, stronger operating models, and long-term growth.