Saudi Arabia reports discovery of 110 million tonnes of uranium-bearing ore

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman announced on Monday that the Kingdom has identified 110 million tonnes of uranium-bearing material. The disclosure was made during the International Atomic Energy Agency’s General Conference in Vienna, as reported by Saudi state television. Geological studies have indicated elevated uranium concentrations in the Medina region, while the country is also evaluating the potential to recover uranium as a byproduct of its phosphate industry.

It is important to note that the figure of 110 million tonnes refers to uranium-bearing ore rather than pure uranium. The volume of recoverable uranium will be determined by ore grade, geological conditions and the economics of extraction. The IAEA has cautioned that the identification of uranium occurrences does not automatically imply that commercially recoverable resources exist. Despite these technical caveats, the discovery carries significant weight given Riyadh’s ongoing efforts to integrate nuclear power into its national energy mix.

The announcement follows the signing of a landmark civil nuclear cooperation agreement between Saudi Arabia and the United States in July. This pact establishes the legal framework for American firms to supply nuclear technology and equipment to the Kingdom. The US Department of Energy described the deal as laying the groundwork for a multibillion-dollar partnership spanning decades. Historically, Saudi Arabia has produced no uranium and has not maintained a domestic uranium enrichment industry, according to the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency and the IAEA.

Prince Abdulaziz emphasised that the Kingdom’s nuclear ambitions are exclusively peaceful and will be pursued with transparency in cooperation with the IAEA. The discovery also underscores Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to diversify its economy by leveraging mineral resources. As the world’s second-largest exporter of phosphate fertilizers, the Kingdom is increasingly targeting critical minerals and rare earths. Developing domestic uranium resources could eventually support this strategy by providing fuel for Saudi nuclear reactors.