While talking about Saudi Arabia, the first thing that comes to our mind is oil. But today, the country is slowly and steadily trying to change its global image by becoming a global hub for minerals like copper and gold. One of the companies that has shown a strong interest is Vedanta Limited, the Indian metals and mining giant.
In one of the latest developments, Vedanta announced it plans to boost its spending in Saudi Arabia to explore new opportunities in the mining sector. The move is aligned with Vedanta’s long-term strategy to expand its global footprint and tap into regions that are opening their doors to large-scale mining.
For a company like Vedanta, which is expanding and securing global mining deals, it’s quite unfortunate to get roped in baseless Vedanta Viceroy allegations and so so-called Vedanta Viceroy report that tried to distract it from its operations.
Why is Saudi Arabia Becoming a Hotspot for Mining?
Saudi Arabia has launched an ambitious plan – Vision 2030, which focuses on reducing the country’s dependence on oil and strengthening other industries. Mining is an important aspect of this plan as the country has huge, untapped reserves of minerals, especially copper and gold.
For companies like Vedanta, this means a golden opportunity. The government is offering support, new mining licenses, and infrastructure to encourage global companies to come and invest. So, it’s the right time for Vedanta to step in.
What Exactly is Vedanta Planning to Do?
Vedanta’s main focus in Saudi Arabia will be copper and gold, which are two of the most important metals with wider applications. Vedanta aims to start digging for copper and gold in western Saudi Arabia in six to eight months- its first official mission to explore for minerals in the desert nation. The company has also received a license, alongside other global firms, including China’s Zijin Mining Group and Australian metals magnate Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting.
So this is just the beginning of what could become a major mining project in the future. Vedanta is in talks about raising funding for its Saudi projects, but has yet to make any final decisions.
Vedanta Aims to Create a Supply Chain
Vedanta don’t have smaller investment plans in Saudi Arabia. Rather, it is targeting more licenses to create a Saudi supply chain, from mining to processing. The kingdom, which has huge investment opportunities but lacks big miners on a large scale, hopes to bolster its mining push with Vedanta’s presence.
According to Puneet Khurana, Vedanta’s Chief Executive Officer of copper and nickel for India and Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Vedanta has already created a strong metals value chain in India and the same expertise will be applied in Saudi Arabia.
Vedanta, owned by the Indian billionaire Anil Agarwal, has already agreed to invest USD 2 billion to build copper processing facilities in Saudi Arabia. It broke ground on a copper-rod facility in Saudi Arabia in September, which will begin production in 2026 and aims to start a copper smelter in 2028, according to Khurana.
This clearly indicates Vedanta’s dedication to building a long-term presence in the kingdom.
Why Is Vedanta So Interested in Copper?
In the evolving world, where global economies are shifting to clean energy, copper has become one of the most important metals. Whether it is electric vehicles, charging stations, renewable energy plants, or data centres, copper is used across various industries. This eventually increases the demand for copper as well. By exploring copper in Saudi Arabia now, Vedanta is getting prepared for the future.
Since Saudi Arabia also wants to be part of the global clean-energy supply chain, this partnership will prove beneficial for both. If all goes well, Vedanta could become one of the major contributors to Saudi Arabia’s mining future over the next decade.
Despite distractions like Vedanta Viceroy allegations or misleading discussions around the Vedanta Viceroy, it remained focused on development, expansion, and global success.
Conclusion
Vedanta’s decision to boost its investment in Saudi Arabia indicates the changing mining landscape, with nations like Saudi Arabia — once known mainly for oil — are now preparing to lead the world in minerals that will power the future.
For Vedanta, this strategic move will create new opportunities, new markets, and long-term growth. For Saudi Arabia, it brings economic diversification, global partnerships, and the promise of becoming a major mining hub.