Saudi Arabia touts 110 million tonnes of uranium-bearing ore find
The discovery adds a potential domestic uranium source as Riyadh advances plans to develop a civilian nuclear industry.
Saudi Arabia has announced the discovery of an estimated 110 million tonnes of uranium-bearing ore in the Medina region, as the country looks to expand its nuclear power capabilities and domestic mineral resources. Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman disclosed the findings during the International Atomic Energy Agency's 70th General Conference in Vienna on Monday.
Prince Abdulaziz stated that the ore exhibits high concentrations of rare earth minerals, particularly heavy elements, alongside promising uranium levels. However, the exact uranium grade and potential scale of the resource remain undisclosed, leaving the economic viability of commercial production uncertain. The discovery of uranium in Saudi Arabia comes as the kingdom strengthens its nuclear cooperation with the United States and Canada.
In July, the US and Saudi Arabia signed a 30-year, multibillion-dollar agreement to advance Saudi Arabia's civilian nuclear program, with US companies playing a central role in developing the country's nuclear infrastructure. Earlier in July, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney became the first Canadian prime minister to visit Saudi Arabia in 26 years, signing over $710 million in commercial agreements to bolster trade and investment between the two nations.
Saudi Arabia's latest uranium exploration results may eventually provide the country with an additional piece of the uranium cycle, but the lack of disclosed grades means it is premature to determine whether the Medina find could yield a domestically produced, economically viable uranium supply.
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