Saudi Arabia continues to cement its position as a global mining hub with the recent Saudi Arabia gold discovery in the Arabian Shield. Announced during the Future Minerals Forum 2025 in Riyadh, these discoveries include substantial gold deposits at Wadi Al-Jaww and copper deposits at Jabal Shayban, reinforcing the Kingdom’s long-term vision to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on oil revenues.
Landmark Discoveries and Exploration Efforts
The Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden) revealed that the newly identified mineralization extends from shallow depths of 20 to 200 meters, suggesting considerable potential for both gold and copper extraction. Bob Wilt, CEO of Ma’aden, emphasized that these results are part of “the world’s largest single-jurisdiction mineral exploration programs,” highlighting the Kingdom’s aggressive exploration strategy.
- Wadi Al-Jaww: A previously unexplored site, representing a new frontier for gold mining in Saudi Arabia.
- Jabal Shayban: A historically recognized copper exploration area with programs dating back to the 1940s.
Wilt noted that the discoveries not only validate Saudi Arabia’s raw mineral potential but also provide a platform to accelerate drilling activities and expand mining operations in 2025.
Enhancing Existing Mines
Ma’aden also reported promising developments at the Mansourah-Massarah gold mine. Drilling results revealed high-grade gold mineralization below the current pit design, with notable intercepts including 61 meters at 10.4 g/t gold and 20 meters at 20.6 g/t gold within 400 meters of the mine. These results indicate significant underground potential and opportunities to expand both open-pit and underground operations.
Historically, gold extraction in Saudi Arabia has been concentrated in areas such as the Mahd adh-Dhahab mine, often referred to as the “Cradle of Gold” in the Kingdom. This mine, dating back over three millennia, features 60 km of tunnels and modern processing facilities that recover gold, silver, and copper from the ore.
Overview of Key Mines
Ma’aden manages several prominent gold mines across the Kingdom, each contributing to the country’s economic and industrial development:
- Al-Duwayhi Mine: Saudi Arabia’s largest gold mine, operational since 2016, producing gold ore refined into bullion via a carbon-in-leach processing plant.
- Al-Amar Mine: Active since 2009, offering gold along with copper and zinc sulfide, which are sold to external smelters.
- Bulghah Mine: An open-pit operation producing gold bullion through carbon-in-leach processing, supported by the Al-Sukhaybarat plant for high-concentration ore.
- Al-Sukhaybarat Mine: Features both onsite processing and transfer of ore to Bulghah, depending on concentration levels.
- Al-Suq Mine: Operational since 2014, utilizing carbon-in-leach technology for low-concentration ore to produce gold bullion.
These mines demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s systematic approach to mineral extraction, combining historical knowledge with modern technologies.
Economic and Strategic Implications
The new discoveries have far-reaching implications for Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification under Vision 2030. By expanding mineral exploration and mining operations:
- The Kingdom reduces reliance on hydrocarbons.
- It positions itself as a major player in the global metals market.
- Employment and investment opportunities grow in mining, engineering, and downstream industries.
Furthermore, copper deposits at Jabal Shayban have strategic importance for industrial applications, including electronics and renewable energy infrastructure, complementing Saudi Arabia’s push toward sustainable economic growth.
Future Prospects and Sustainability
Ma’aden continues to refine its understanding of the new deposits through ongoing drilling and analysis throughout 2025. While precise estimates of mineral quantity and quality are pending, the initial findings promise substantial contributions to the Kingdom’s mining sector.
Saudi Arabia’s methodical approach balances economic growth with environmental responsibility, ensuring sustainable development practices in line with global standards.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia’s gold and copper discoveries in the Arabian Shield underscore a pivotal moment for the Kingdom’s mining industry. Through strategic exploration, modern mining practices, and careful development of existing and new sites, Saudi Arabia is setting a benchmark for mineral production and economic diversification. These efforts not only strengthen the national economy but also position the Kingdom as a leader in global mining, paving the way for sustainable growth and industrial innovation.
