Saudi Arabia discovers 110 million tonnes of uranium-concentrated ore in Madinah region

Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, announced at the International Atomic Energy Agency general conference in Vienna that geological studies at the Jabal Sayid project in the Madinah region have revealed 110 million tonnes of ore containing high concentrations of rare earth elements and uranium. Prince Abdulaziz described the site as one of the most significant rare earth mineral resource locations currently under development globally. The discovery aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader economic diversification agenda, which prioritizes the expansion of its mining and energy sectors. This announcement follows a bilateral agreement signed in July between Saudi Arabia and the United States regarding a civilian nuclear programme, which aims to establish a long-term, multibillion-dollar partnership. As part of these efforts, Saudi Arabia’s mining company, Ma’aden, has previously partnered with the US-based firm MP Materials to develop capabilities for processing rare earth minerals and associated uranium. Prince Abdulaziz confirmed that the kingdom intends to continue its exploration efforts through sedimentary cover survey initiatives to identify further conventional uranium sources.