Saudi Arabia Strikes Major Gold Discovery: 7.8 Million Ounces Found
In a landmark announcement for its mining sector, Saudi Arabia has revealed the discovery of 7.8 million ounces of gold across four key locations. The find, reported on January 12, 2026, by state-backed miner Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma'aden), represents one of the Kingdom's most significant gold resource expansions in recent history.
Breakdown of the Major Discoveries
The 7.8 million ounces were added through an extensive drilling campaign, with contributions from:
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Mansourah Massarah Mine: The flagship operation added a net 3 million ounces, expanding known mineralization at depth.
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Wadi Al Jaww: A newly defined area contributing approximately 3.08 million ounces as a maiden resource.
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Uruq 20/21 & Umm As Salam Prospects: These satellite sites near Mansourah Massarah added a combined 1.67 million ounces.
Strategic Exploration and Future Potential
Ma'aden's CEO, Bob Wilt, stated the results validate the company's long-term exploration strategy. The campaign also revealed promising signs of copper, nickel, and platinum group elements at other sites, indicating broader multi-commodity potential beyond gold.
The Mansourah Massarah resource now stands at an estimated 10.4 million ounces, supporting potential for both open-pit and underground mining, with exploration continuing in 2026.
Aligned with Vision 2030 Economic Diversification
This major discovery is a strategic pillar of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy away from oil. By expanding its mineral resource base, the Kingdom seeks to build new revenue streams, enhance economic resilience, and develop value-added industries like mineral processing and refining.
Also Read: Brazil & Saudi Arabia Sign 5-Year MoU to Deepen Mineral Cooperation for Energy Transition
Positioning Saudi Arabia as a Global Gold Player
The scale of this find solidifies Saudi Arabia's position as a significant global gold resource holder. With continued exploration across the mineral-rich Arabian Shield, further discoveries are anticipated, potentially transforming the Kingdom into a top gold producer.
This discovery is more than a geological success; it's a crucial step toward economic diversification and long-term sustainability, marking Saudi Arabia's ambitious entry into the forefront of the global mining industry.
