Saudi Arabia Discovers Huge 110-Million-Tonne Ore Deposit With Rare Earths, Uranium Potential

News world Saudi Arabia Discovers Huge 110-Million-Tonne Ore Deposit With Rare Earths, Uranium Potential

Saudi Arabia Discovers Huge 110-Million-Tonne Ore Deposit With Rare Earths, Uranium Potential

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Last Updated: September 15, 2026, 05:24 IST

The discovery was made at the Jabal Sayid project in Medina, Saudi's Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said

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Saudi Arabia's Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman al-Saud. (AFP file photo)

Saudi Arabia has discovered an estimated 110 million tonnes of ore containing high concentrations of rare earth elements, particularly heavy rare earths, along with promising uranium concentrations, Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said on Monday.

The discovery was made at the Jabal Sayid project in Medina, the minister said while speaking at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has discovered in the Jabal Sayid project in Medina estimated resources of around (110 million tons) of ore, with high concentrations of rare earth elements, particularly the heavy elements thereof, alongside promising concentrations of uranium," he said.

Saudi Arabia Eyes Mineral Wealth

According to Saudi state media, Prince Abdulaziz said the discovery formed part of the Kingdom’s wider effort to develop its energy and mineral resources. He said diversifying the country’s energy sources was increasingly important for economic growth and supply security.

Saudi Arabia has been expanding its focus beyond oil and gas, seeking to develop its mineral wealth and strengthen its position in global energy and resources markets.

The minister also addressed concerns about the Kingdom’s civilian nuclear programme and its plans for nuclear cooperation with the United States.

He said Saudi Arabia’s nuclear programme would not be developed “in isolation from the international community" or through “activities conducted in secrecy or facilities concealed deep within mountains", an apparent reference to Iran’s long-running underground nuclear programme, Al Arabiya reported.

“The Kingdom follows a clear approach founded on transparency, openness and international cooperation," he said.

Discovery Comes Amid US Nuclear Deal

The announcement comes as a civil nuclear cooperation agreement between the US and Saudi Arabia is under review by the US Congress.

The 30-year agreement, signed in July, was concluded under Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act and allows US companies to support Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear programme, including potential reactor projects and uranium-related activities.

The Trump administration sent the agreement to Congress in late August for a 90-day review.

The deal has also raised non-proliferation questions, with lawmakers and analysts examining its safeguards and inspection arrangements. US President Donald Trump has said the agreement would be tied to Saudi Arabia’s normalisation of relations with Israel.

Saudi Arabia has said its nuclear ambitions are focused on peaceful energy use and international cooperation.

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Quick Answers Powered by Ask News18 Where in Saudi Arabia was the 110-million-tonne ore deposit discovered? The massive ore deposit was discovered at the Jabal Sayid project located in the Medina region of Saudi Arabia. What valuable materials are concentrated in Saudi Arabia's newly discovered ore deposit? The estimated 110 million tonnes of ore contain high concentrations of rare earth elements, particularly heavy rare earths, along with promising concentrations of uranium. How does Saudi Arabia's nuclear program approach transparency compared to other regional nations? Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister stated that the Kingdom follows a clear approach founded on transparency, openness, and international cooperation. He emphasized that their civilian nuclear program will not be developed in isolation or through activities conducted in secrecy and concealed deep within mountains, contrasting it with Iran's underground nuclear program. Powered by Ask News18

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First Published: September 15, 2026, 05:20 IST

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