Saudi Arabia Discovers Large Rare-Earth Minerals and Uranium Deposits
The energy minister of Saudi Arabia reported this week that the government has discovered a significant reserve of rare-earth minerals and uranium, estimated at 110 million tons, located in Medina, a city regarded as the second holiest in Islam. This find is part of the country’s broader efforts to diversify its energy sector.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, the Saudi Energy Minister, made this announcement during the annual conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which oversees nuclear-related matters. This news comes shortly after the White House revealed that President Trump had sanctioned an agreement aimed at assisting Saudi Arabia in developing its nuclear energy capabilities for peaceful applications, including energy production and medical uses. The announcement also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Saudi Arabia’s oil industry amid disruptions in the Middle East caused by Iran and its affiliates.
The minister expressed confidence that the newly found supply comprises different rare-earth minerals and uranium. According to the Saudi news outlet Al Arabiya, the energy minister indicated that these resources would support the country’s economic diversification objectives. He also reassured international observers that Saudi Arabia is committed to adhering to global nuclear regulations and has no intentions of using nuclear materials for weaponization.
In his statement, he emphasized, “The Kingdom follows a clear approach founded on transparency, openness, and international cooperation.” He further specified that Saudi Arabia would not pursue nuclear weapons through clandestine activities, presumably referencing Iran, which has been known for maintaining uranium enrichment facilities hidden in underground locations. Some of these sites were reportedly targeted and destroyed in U.S. airstrikes in June 2025.
Beyond the nuclear implications, Prince Abdulaziz highlighted that this discovery ranks among the most prolific rare-earth mineral sites being developed worldwide.
The IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi took to social media to share a photo with Prince Abdulaziz following their meeting, expressing the agency’s commitment to support Saudi Arabia’s nuclear advances.
Grossi tweeted, “Saudi Arabia is moving forward with its nuclear power programme and research reactor, with a strong commitment to non-proliferation. The IAEA stands ready to support Saudi Arabia every step of the way.”
For decades, Saudi Arabia has been a leading oil producer, accruing vast wealth and building major cities as a result of its oil profits. However, since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was appointed in 2017, the government has initiated “Vision 2030,” a plan aimed at diversifying the economy to safeguard against a potential downturn in the oil sector. Integral to this vision is the development of alternative energy sources including renewables and nuclear power.
In October 2017, the Saudi government declared intentions to limit its uranium exports to cultivate a strong domestic nuclear industry.
Hashim bin Abdullah Yamani, the official overseeing nuclear energy in Saudi Arabia, stated that uranium production is a vital initial step toward self-sufficiency in nuclear fuel generation.
Furthermore, the initiative to expand rare-earth mineral production aligns with the goals of “Vision 2030.” These minerals, essential for modern technology like batteries in laptops and smartphones, are predominantly sourced from China. In January 2025, Saudi officials announced a $100 billion investment project aimed at challenging China’s dominance in this field. Around the same time, Aramco planned to collaborate with the Saudi state mining company Ma’aden to enhance mineral production for what is referred to as the “energy transition”—a shift towards greener energy alternatives.
Latter that year, President Trump announced an agreement with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to jointly develop rare-earth resources. This partnership was expected to include American involvement in a Saudi mine and support in resource development.
In July, the U.S. Department of Energy entered a similar arrangement concerning nuclear energy with Saudi Arabia. The department touted this deal as a multi-billion-dollar, long-term partnership aimed at fostering nuclear non-proliferation and ensuring adherence to high safety standards.
IAEA chief Grossi has shown support for this arrangement, noting that his agency would maintain a level of oversight that ensures compliance with nuclear non-proliferation laws.
He remarked, “In the consultations and preparations, provisions have been established that will allow the agency enhanced verification and monitoring capabilities.”
