A major uranium discovery in Saudi Arabia: 110 million tons of ore identified in Medina
Abdulaziz bin Salman, the Saudi Energy Minister, announced the identification of approximately 110 million tons of mineral and ore containing uranium in the Medina region. According to Saudi officials, these reserves, in addition to uranium, contain concentrations of rare earth elements, especially heavy elements, and could have high strategic importance for Saudi Arabia’s mining and nuclear programs. Meanwhile, Chris Wright, the U.S. Energy Secretary, announced that there are currently no plans to conduct uranium enrichment within Saudi Arabia. In July, Saudi Arabia and the United States signed a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement. Riyadh also emphasizes that its nuclear program will be pursued with peaceful objectives and under international supervision.