Saudi Arabia finds 110 million tons of Uranium bearing Ore in Madinah
Photo: Reuters
Saudi Arabia has announced the discovery of around 110 million tons of uranium bearing ore in the Madinah region. A high concentration of rare earth minerals was also found in the same area along with uranium. Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman shared the information at the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna on Monday.
According to Saudi officials, exploration and geological studies in the Jabal Sayid area of the Madinah region have indicated a potential reserve of around 110 million tons of ore. The ores have a particularly high concentration of heavy rare earth minerals. They also contain significant levels of uranium.
However, the 110 million tons cannot be considered a reserve of pure uranium. Saudi Arabia has not yet provided details on the uranium concentration or how many tons of uranium could actually be extracted from the ore. Further research is therefore needed to determine the economic value of the discovery and the potential for commercial extraction.
The Saudi Energy Minister said the reserves identified under the Jabal Sayid project are being considered one of the world’s significant rare earth mineral development projects. The country is now exploring the potential to use its mineral resources to diversify its economy while developing a domestic supply system for nuclear fuel.
Saudi Arabia has increased exploration for uranium and other strategic minerals in recent years. Under its Vision 2030 plan, the country is seeking to move away from an oil dependent economy by making minerals, industry and energy new pillars of its economy.
The country’s civilian nuclear program is also moving forward. In July this year, the United States and Saudi Arabia signed an agreement on civilian nuclear fuel cooperation. The agreement has created opportunities for US technology and investment in the expansion of Saudi Arabia’s nuclear power program.
Speaking at the IAEA conference, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said the country’s nuclear program is being conducted for peaceful and civilian purposes. He said it is not being carried out outside the international community or at any secret facilities. Saudi Arabia is also assessing the potential to explore its uranium resources and use them economically alongside generating nuclear power.
Earlier in 2025, the Saudi Energy Minister said the country would invest in uranium and other minerals. He also said Saudi Arabia planned to enrich uranium and sell it in the future.
Analysts say the newly discovered mineral resources in Madinah could serve not only as a potential source of nuclear fuel for Saudi Arabia but also increase the country’s importance in the global rare earth mineral supply chain. However, the actual economic significance of the discovery will become clear only after details are released on the size of the reserves, uranium concentration, recoverable portion and production costs.
