Saudi Arabia uncovers 7.8m ounces of gold in major mining boost
The discoveries were made by Maaden, the state-backed mining company, following an extensive drilling programme covering operating mines, early-stage prospects and new exploration targets.
Saudi Arabia has announced the discovery of 7.8 million ounces of gold across four locations, marking one of the largest additions to the kingdom's mineral resources in recent decades and highlighting the untapped potential of the Arabian Shield.
The discoveries were made by Maaden, the state-backed mining company, following an extensive drilling programme covering operating mines, early-stage prospects and new exploration targets, reports The Times of India.
The findings were disclosed on 12 January, with Maaden describing the campaign as one of the largest exploration efforts ever conducted within a single country.
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According to the company, initial drilling outlined more than nine million ounces of gold. After routine annual reporting adjustments, including revisions to cost and commodity price assumptions, net additions stood at 7.8 million ounces.
The biggest increase came from Maaden's flagship Mansourah Massarah operation, which added three million ounces year-on-year. Exploration at the Uruq 20/21 and Umm As Salam prospects contributed a combined 1.67 million ounces, while Wadi Al Jaww delivered a maiden mineral resource estimated at 3.8 million ounces.
Maaden said advanced drilling in the Central Arabian Gold Region identified several new mineralised zones. Near-mine drilling at the historic Mahd gold mine also expanded the known resource footprint, which will now be assessed for a possible extension of the mine's operational life.
Maaden chief executive Bob Wilt said the results validated the company's long-term exploration strategy. "The addition of more than seven million ounces across four areas demonstrates the scale and ongoing potential of our gold portfolio," he said, adding that the growth supports future cash generation and underscores how early the company remains in unlocking the Arabian Shield's gold potential.
The company also reported progress beyond gold. Early-stage drilling at Jabal Shayban and Jabal Al Wakil identified copper, nickel and platinum group element mineralisation, supporting Maaden's ambition to build a diversified, multi-commodity mining portfolio.
At Mansourah Massarah, the latest mineral resource estimate now stands at 116 million tonnes grading 2.8 grams per tonne, equivalent to 10.4 million ounces of gold. Maaden said mineralisation remains open at depth, with further drilling planned through 2026.
The discoveries represent a significant boost to Saudi Arabia's mining sector, a key pillar of its broader economic diversification drive.
