Saudi Arabia: Discovery of 110 million tons containing uranium concentrations in Medina

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, announced on Monday the discovery of approximately 110 million tons of crude ore containing promising concentrations of uranium and rare earth elements in the city of Medina. He also affirmed, during a conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, that Saudi Arabia “does not seek to develop its peaceful nuclear program in isolation from the international community or through activities managed in secrecy or in hidden facilities deep within mountains.” The Saudi minister noted that the Kingdom aims to “build a more diverse and sustainable national energy mix, including the introduction of nuclear energy within a regulatory framework consistent with its international commitments,” according to statements broadcast by Saudi television. He emphasized that Saudi Arabia “is working with full transparency with its partners and in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency,” adding, “We are striving to develop an approach that serves as a model.”