Archive · 14 Sep 2026
Saudi Arabia Reports Major Rare Earth and Uranium Ore Discovery
Saudi Arabia says it found a very large amount of mineral-rich ore.
The discovery is at the Jabal Sayid project in the Madinah region.
The ore contains rare earth minerals, especially heavy rare earth elements.
It also has promising amounts of uranium.
Rare earth minerals are used in some important modern technologies.
The finding could help Saudi Arabia expand its mining industry.
Saudi Arabia has traditionally depended heavily on oil exports.
Under Vision 2030, it is trying to develop mining, manufacturing, technology, tourism, and renewable energy.
Exploration at the Jabal Sayid project in Madinah identified an estimated 110 million tonnes of ore.
The ore reportedly contains high concentrations of rare earth minerals, particularly heavy rare earth elements.
The deposit also contains promising concentrations of uranium, according to Prince Abdulaziz.
The discovery could expand Saudi Arabia’s mineral resource base as rare earths gain strategic importance.
Saudi Arabia is investing in mining and other sectors under Vision 2030 to reduce dependence on hydrocarbons.
- Who
- Saudi Arabia and Prince Abdulaziz, who described the findings.
- What
- An estimated 110 million tonnes of ore containing rare earth minerals and promising uranium concentrations were identified.
- When
- The article does not state when the discovery was made; it references the US Geological Survey’s 2026 mineral report and the Uranium 2024 report.
- Where
- The Jabal Sayid project in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- The discovery could strengthen Saudi Arabia’s mineral resources and support efforts to reduce reliance on oil.
- Estimated ore resources
- Around 110 million tonnes
- Discovery site
- Jabal Sayid project, Madinah
- Minerals identified
- High concentrations of rare earth minerals, especially heavy elements, plus promising uranium concentrations
- Saudi economic strategy
- Vision 2030 seeks to reduce dependence on hydrocarbons
- Largest rare earth reserves
- China, with about 44 million metric tonnes of rare earth oxide equivalent, according to the US Geological Survey’s Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026
- Largest uranium resources
- Australia, with about 1.67 million tonnes, according to the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency and International Atomic Energy Agency’s Uranium 2024 report