Saudi Arabia Uncovers 110 Million Tonnes of Rare-Earth and Uranium-Bearing Ores in Medina

15 سبتمبر 2026

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صورة تعبيرية لتكوينات جيولوجية وصحراوية في السعودية

Saudi Arabia has announced the results of new geological exploration in the Medina region, indicating estimated resources of about 110 million tonnes of ore containing high concentrations of rare-earth elements, along with promising indications of uranium, in a development highlighting the growing role of the mining sector in diversifying the Saudi economy.

Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman announced the results during the International Atomic Energy Agency’s General Conference in Vienna, according to Reuters and regional media reports. It is important to distinguish between the volume of ore announced and the amount of uranium itself: The figure of 110 million tonnes refers to the ore resources that studies found to contain rare elements and uranium concentrations, not 110 million tonnes of pure uranium.

What did the geological studies reveal?

According to the published details, the results came from exploration activities and geological studies at the Jabal Sayid project in the Medina region. The estimates indicate the presence of ores rich in rare-earth elements, particularly heavy elements, alongside concentrations of uranium described as promising.

The uranium concentration in the ore, or the amount that could ultimately be extracted economically, has not yet been disclosed. These are essential data for assessing the commercial viability of any mineral resource. The current figures therefore represent an estimate of the geological resources discovered, while subsequent development stages will require more detailed technical and economic studies.

Why are rare-earth elements economically important?

Rare-earth elements are used in advanced industries, including electronics, electric vehicles, wind turbines, high-efficiency motors and a range of modern technology applications. As global demand for them increases, critical-mineral supply chains have become an important focus of industrial and technology investment around the world.

For Saudi Arabia, developing these resources could support the goal of increasing the contribution of mining and related industries to the economy, while creating new investment opportunities in processing, manufacturing and domestic value chains rather than limiting activity to ore extraction.

Connection to peaceful nuclear energy plans

The announcement also comes as the kingdom works to develop its nuclear energy program for peaceful purposes. Saudi Arabia and the United States signed a cooperation agreement in July 2026 on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, covering the exchange of expertise and technologies in accordance with nuclear security, safety and nonproliferation standards.

The presence of local resources containing uranium could add a long-term strategic dimension to the energy and mining sectors. However, the transition from geological discovery to actual production remains dependent on the findings of subsequent studies, economic viability and relevant regulatory and technical requirements.

What should be monitored next?

Attention will focus on the results of detailed tests of concentration levels, the size of extractable resources, and development and investment plans for the site. It will also be important to monitor how rare-earth elements are integrated into domestic manufacturing chains, given their increasing value in advanced industries.

The featured image is illustrative of a desert geological environment in Saudi Arabia and does not document the discovery site. Photo: Rabah Al Shammary / Unsplash.