Saudi Arabia: Discovery of 114 million tons of ore containing rare earth metals and uranium

The minister, who also serves as Chairman of the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, said that the National Atomic Energy Project is moving forward with a program to explore uranium resources and assess economic opportunities.

He explained that pilot operations conducted in collaboration with the French company "Orano" showed promising economic indicators for uranium extraction from these processes.

He added that exploration and geological studies at the Jabal Sayid project in the Medina region revealed estimated resources of approximately 114 million tons of ore, containing high concentrations of rare earth metals, especially heavy elements, along with promising concentrations of uranium.

He pointed out that the project is among the most important rare earth metal resource sites being developed globally.

The Saudi minister affirmed that the Kingdom adheres to its right to peaceful nuclear energy uses, in line with the highest levels of responsibility and transparency, and in accordance with the rights of states parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons to develop and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

He said that Saudi Arabia "does not seek to develop its peaceful nuclear program in isolation from the international community or through activities managed in secrecy," noting that it is working to develop its capabilities through reliable international partnerships that enhance trust and support the nuclear non-proliferation system.

The minister pointed out that the partnership with the United States represents a model of this approach, including cooperation in the fields of critical minerals, securing supply chains, and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

He explained that this path culminated in July 2026 with the signing of a cooperation agreement between Saudi Arabia and the United States in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear energy, known as the (123) agreement.

The agreement signed on July 22, 2026, between US Energy Secretary Chris Rait and his Saudi counterpart Abdulaziz bin Salman, represents a strategic partnership extending for 30 years, aiming to establish a comprehensive civil nuclear program in the Kingdom that includes the construction of reactors and securing global supply chains.