Saudi Arabia discovers 110m tonnes of ore containing rare earths, uranium

Saudi Arabia has unveiled an estimated 110 million tonnes of ore enriched with rare-earth elements and promising amounts of uranium in the Medina region, according to Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, the Energy Minister. The findings, disclosed during the International Atomic Energy Agency's General Conference in Vienna, highlight the significance of Jabal Sayid as a potential world-class rare-earth resource project.

The discovery bolsters Saudi Arabia's strategy to diversify its energy mix and develop domestic industries around critical minerals, nuclear energy, and advanced manufacturing. Prince Abdulaziz emphasized that the kingdom is committed to pursuing its peaceful nuclear program with transparency and international cooperation, forming partnerships with trusted entities such as the French nuclear fuel company Orano to enhance the recovery of economically viable uranium.

The nation's broader energy strategy aims to establish an integrated industrial value chain for rare-earth elements and uranium, from exploration and mining to processing, separation, and refining. This development aligns with Saudi Arabia's dedication to transparency and its goal of expanding its role in the global energy economy by providing diversified and secure energy supplies.