Saudi Arabia Identifies Major Rare Earth Deposit

Saudi Arabia has identified an estimated 114 million tons of ore containing high concentrations of heavy rare earth elements and promising uranium content at the Jabal Sayid project in the Madinah Region,

The figure is described as an exploration-stage geological resource estimate rather than a commissioned mine. No official announcement has been made regarding the start of commercial production, refinery operation, or export volumes from this deposit.

Technical assessments of the Jabal Sayid system estimate roughly 552,000 tons of heavy rare earths, mainly dysprosium and terbium, along with about 355,000 tons of light rare earths, including neodymium and praseodymium. The site also holds a co-located uranium resource of around 31,000 tons, making it one of the most significant rare earth resource sites under development in the country.

Part of a larger mineral picture

The discovery forms part of a broader Saudi mineral wealth estimate of about SAR 9.4 trillion, with rare earth discoveries valued at around SAR 375 billion across several sites. Detailed studies of six promising rare earth areas report two advanced-stage exploration zones holding an estimated 644 million tons of resources at an average grade of 0.30% total rare earth oxides (TREO), while four additional high-potential targets show 364 to 714 million tons of resources at grades of 0.95% to 1.66% TREO.

Rare earth elements are key inputs for electronics, electric vehicles, and clean-energy technologies, so a domestic resource of this scale could support the Kingdom's mining ambitions and create long-term industrial and employment opportunities. As of 2026, no official regulatory publication details deposit-specific fees, royalty rates, or licensing steps tied uniquely to this find.

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