Saudi Arabia surprises with major gold and copper discoveries

Saudi Arabia has identified new gold and copper zones in the western Arabian Shield, signaling potential new mines if ongoing exploration confirms early success. Initial drilling suggests mineralization close to the surface—an encouraging sign for future development. The country estimates roughly $2.5 trillion in untapped mineral wealth.

Where the discoveries are

Ma’aden, the state-backed miner, announced new gold mineralization at Wadi Al Jaww and a gold-copper find at Jabal Shayban. The updates were shared in Riyadh and reflect the company’s expanding exploration footprint across the western shield.

Both targets remain at an early stage. Drilling is focused on defining how far the mineralized zones extend and whether they can support commercial mining. Early results indicate metals hosted in rock near surface, a factor that can lower eventual mining and processing costs.

Growing potential around Mansourah Massarah

Ma’aden also highlighted promising drill results beneath the Mansourah Massarah gold mine, suggesting underground potential below the current open-pit operations. Previously reported intercepts include 61 meters at 10.4 g/t gold and 20 meters at 20.6 g/t gold—strong grades over notable lengths (approximately 200 feet and 66 feet). While length multiplied by grade is not a reserve, these figures help geologists compare holes and prioritize follow-up targets.

Why the Arabian Shield matters

The Arabian Shield is composed of ancient Precambrian volcanic and metamorphic rocks known to host gold and copper in vein and porphyry-style systems. Over geologic time, heat and mineral-rich fluids moved through fractures, depositing metals that can later be sampled and mined. Decades of mapping combined with modern geophysics and geochemistry are now helping teams see through sand cover and weathered rock to pinpoint new targets.

Strategic importance for the economy

Mining is a core pillar of Saudi Arabia’s economic strategy alongside energy and petrochemicals, providing jobs, industrial feedstocks, and export revenues. Ma’aden has accelerated exploration with large-scale programs, partnerships, and new tools designed to identify deeper or concealed deposits. The timing aligns with robust global copper demand from power grids and electric vehicles, while gold remains a reliable, liquid commodity that can underpin investment through market cycles.

From discovery to development

Exploration is still in the scouting phase. The next steps include:

• Additional drilling to test continuity of mineralization in three dimensions.
• More assays to quantify metal content in each interval.
• Detailed geologic mapping and modeling to define deposit geometry.
• Metallurgical tests to assess processing options and recoveries.

If results continue to align, engineers will begin preliminary mine planning and launch studies on water, energy, and community needs. Any project would proceed through environmental review, permitting, and public consultation. A formal resource estimate—an audited statement of tons and grade—would follow only after sufficient drilling demonstrates continuity and economic potential.

Timelines will depend on drilling success and logistics. In remote desert settings, access roads, power, and water infrastructure can shape the pace of development as much as the geology.

Bigger picture

These discoveries underscore how earth science and engineering intersect to create value. An orebody is both a geologic and economic concept; proving it requires data, models, and disciplined budgeting. If Wadi Al Jaww and Jabal Shayban continue to deliver strong results, they could anchor a broader mineral district within the Arabian Shield.

For global markets, added supply of gold and copper can support manufacturing, electronics, vehicles, and renewable energy infrastructure. Strengthening regional production can also improve supply chain resilience and support long-term industrial growth.

While much work remains, the early signals from Saudi Arabia’s western shield point to substantial potential—and a clear commitment to finding and developing the next generation of mines.