Prospects, Challenges, and Opportunities for Investment and Collaboration in the MENA Minerals Sector

The minerals sector across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is entering a decisive phase of transformation, driven by national economic diversification agendas, regulatory reforms, and rising global demand for critical and industrial minerals. While North Africa dominates global phosphate and potash supply, the Arabian Peninsula, led by Oman and Saudi Arabia, is positioning mining as a strategic “third pillar” of economic growth. This paper integrates regional geological potential with policy, investment, and risk perspectives to evaluate prospects, challenges, and opportunities for collaborative investment and mineral property rights in the MENA region. Emphasis is placed on proven and high-potential deposits, evolving regulatory frameworks, infrastructure constraints, and emerging partnership models aligned with Oman Vision 2040 and Saudi Vision 2030.