2 hrs ago

Saudi Arabia Reports Major Uranium-Rich Ore Discovery Amid Regional Tensions

Saudi Arabia says it has found a very large amount of rock containing uranium and rare earth minerals.

The discovery is at a project called Jabal Sayid in the Medina region.

Officials estimate the ore weighs about 110 million tonnes.

Uranium can be used as fuel for civilian nuclear power plants.

Saudi Arabia has been trying to build a nuclear energy industry and reduce its dependence on oil.

The announcement comes while the country faces attacks by Houthi rebels and tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

Saudi Arabia recently agreed with the United States on a framework for developing civilian nuclear energy.

The discovery might give Saudi Arabia more access to minerals inside its own country.

However, the report does not say that Saudi Arabia has begun extracting or using the uranium.

Key facts

Estimated ore: Around 110 million tonnes
Reported location: Jabal Sayid project, Medina region
Minerals identified: Uranium and large amounts of rare earth minerals, particularly heavy elements
Saudi strategy: Uranium extraction and civilian nuclear power are part of the Vision 2030 diversification effort
United States cooperation: Washington and Riyadh signed a July agreement to develop Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear programme
Security context: Houthi attacks have targeted Saudi military and energy infrastructure
Regional context: Iran’s continuing confrontation with the United States and Israel has increased uncertainty
Pipeline impact: The Houthi campaign has contributed to the reported effective closure of Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline

firstpost.com · 2 hrs ago