Saudi Arabia has announced a major gold discovery, with state-backed miner Ma’aden identifying an additional 7.8 million ounces of gold resources across four key sites in the Kingdom, marking one of the most significant mineral finds in recent history and reinforcing its ambitions to diversify beyond oil.
The announcement, made on January 12, 2026, comes amid an expanded exploration programme targeting the Arabian Shield, a geologically rich region long known for its mineral potential. Ma’aden’s latest discoveries span both established mining operations and newly defined prospects, underscoring the scale of untapped subterranean wealth beneath Saudi sands.
The largest increase in gold resources was recorded at the Mansourah-Massarah operation, which saw a net addition of 3 million ounces year-on-year. Other significant gains came from the Uruq 20/21 and Umm As Salam prospects, which together added about 1.67 million ounces, and a maiden resource estimate at Wadi Al Jaww, contributing approximately 3.08 million ounces.
According to Ma’aden, the discoveries were driven by targeted drilling campaigns and improved geological understanding. Initial drilling defined more than nine million ounces worth of gold before adjustments for standard reporting metrics, a process influenced by cost and commodity price assumptions, resulted in the officially reported 7.8 million-ounce figure.
Saudi officials said the discovery marks a turning point for the Kingdom’s mining sector, which has been growing rapidly under the framework of Vision 2030, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ambitious plan to diversify the economy away from oil dependency. Mining, particularly of gold and other strategic minerals, is seen as a core pillar of this transformation.
Bandar Alkhorayef, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, noted that this exploration milestone reflects both technological advancements and sustained investment in mineral exploration and resource development. He added that the Kingdom’s mining sector is now among the fastest-growing in the world.
The gold discovery is expected to have wide-ranging economic impacts. Analysts say that beyond direct revenue from gold exports, the enhanced resource base could attract further investment in mining infrastructure, processing facilities, and supporting industries, creating jobs and stimulating activity in remote regions. It also complements Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to build value chains in minerals, metals, and advanced materials.
In addition to gold, exploration drilling has identified promising copper, nickel, and platinum group element mineralisation at early-stage sites such as Jabal Shayban and Jabal Al Wakil, suggesting the potential for a diversified mining portfolio in years ahead.
However, the discovery has also drawn critical attention. Some environmental groups and sustainability advocates argue that expanding mining operations can come at significant ecological costs, including water usage challenges in arid regions, habitat disruption, and increased carbon emissions from extraction and processing activities. Critics are urging Saudi authorities to adopt stronger environmental safeguards and community consultation processes before green-lighting large-scale mining expansions. Independent experts also stress the need for transparent reporting on the environmental footprint and long-term sustainability of mining operations.
Despite these concerns, Ma’aden’s Chief Executive Bob Wilt maintains that the company’s long-term strategy is delivering measurable results and that continued investment will further unlock the Arabian Shield’s potential. Wilt says the new resources not only bolster Ma’aden’s gold portfolio but also support future cash flows and Saudi Arabia’s positioning as a global mining player.
Looking ahead, drilling and exploration are expected to continue through the remainder of 2026, with additional updates likely as Ma’aden refines its geological models and expands its mineral resource definitions. Industry analysts believe that the Kingdom’s gold sector could rival major global producers in the coming decade, reshaping regional mining dynamics and contributing significantly to Saudi Arabia’s post-oil economic landscape.
