Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) has uncovered 7.8 million ounces of new gold resources across four sites in the Kingdom, marking one of the most significant exploration successes in Saudi Arabia’s modern mining history. This discovery not only strengthens Maaden’s gold portfolio but also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global mining powerhouse under Vision 2030.
Importantly, the discovery highlights the vast untapped mineral wealth of the Arabian Shield, a geological formation that stretches across western Saudi Arabia. Over the past few years, Maaden has intensified exploration activity across this region. As a result, the company has begun converting long-held geological potential into measurable and commercially viable resources.
At the same time, Saudi Arabia continues to accelerate economic diversification efforts. Therefore, gold mining has emerged as a strategic pillar alongside energy, manufacturing, and technology. Against this backdrop, Maaden’s announcement has attracted strong interest from global investors and mining analysts.
Mining’s Growing Role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to reduce its dependence on oil revenues while expanding non-oil sectors that deliver sustainable growth. Consequently, the government has placed mining at the centre of its long-term industrial strategy.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has introduced modern mining regulations, streamlined licensing processes, and improved geological data transparency. As a result, exploration activity has accelerated across the Kingdom. Maaden, which the Public Investment Fund (PIF) majority owns, has led this transformation through large-scale exploration programmes.
Moreover, the government expects mining to contribute significantly to GDP growth, employment creation, and foreign direct investment. Gold, in particular, offers long-term economic stability because of its global demand and store-of-value status.
Overview of the 7.8 Million Ounce Gold Discovery
Maaden confirmed the new gold resources as part of its 2026 exploration programme, which focuses on systematic drilling, advanced geological modelling, and data-driven exploration methods. Together, these efforts allowed the company to identify substantial new resources across four locations:
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Mansourah Massarah
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Uruq 20/21
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Umm As Salam
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Wadi Al Jaww
Initially, drilling outlined more than nine million ounces of gold. However, after applying international reporting standards, Maaden confirmed 7.8 million ounces as compliant mineral resources.
Mansourah Massarah Strengthens Its Position as a Flagship Asset
First and foremost, the Mansourah Massarah project delivered the largest increase in resources. Specifically, the site added approximately 3.0 million ounces of gold, making it the single biggest contributor to the new total.
Mansourah Massarah already plays a central role in Maaden’s gold strategy. Therefore, the additional resources significantly extend the project’s long-term production potential. Furthermore, the expansion enhances the site’s economic attractiveness and strengthens planning certainty for future mine development.
As Maaden continues drilling around the project area, analysts expect further resource growth over time.
Uruq 20/21 and Umm As Salam Expand the Gold Pipeline
Meanwhile, Uruq 20/21 and Umm As Salam together contributed around 1.67 million ounces of gold resources. Although these sites remain at earlier stages of development, they show strong geological continuity and consistent mineralisation.
Importantly, Maaden designed drilling programmes at these locations to extend known mineralised zones rather than chase speculative targets. As a result, both sites delivered reliable and scalable resource growth.
Going forward, Maaden plans additional drilling campaigns to test deeper structures and surrounding zones. Consequently, these projects may contribute further resources in future updates.
Wadi Al Jaww Emerges as a Major New Gold District
Perhaps the most notable outcome of the exploration programme came from Wadi Al Jaww, where Maaden confirmed a maiden gold resource of approximately 3.08 million ounces.
Maiden discoveries of this scale remain rare in global mining. Therefore, the Wadi Al Jaww find underscores both the effectiveness of Maaden’s exploration strategy and the broader potential of underexplored regions within the Arabian Shield.
Moreover, the discovery positions Wadi Al Jaww as a new gold district rather than a standalone deposit. As a result, Maaden has prioritised further exploration across the surrounding area.
Advanced Exploration Techniques Drive Results
Maaden achieved these results by combining traditional geological expertise with modern exploration technologies. Specifically, the company relied on:
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High-density drilling programmes
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Advanced geophysical surveys
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Detailed structural mapping
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Data-driven resource modelling
Because of this integrated approach, Maaden reduced exploration risk while improving resource confidence. Furthermore, strict adherence to international reporting codes ensures transparency and investor trust.
Arabian Shield Confirms Its Untapped Potential
The discoveries sit within the Arabian Shield, a geological formation known for hosting gold, copper, zinc, and other valuable minerals. Historically, however, limited exploration left much of the region underdeveloped.
In contrast, recent regulatory reforms and government support have changed that trajectory. Consequently, exploration activity across the Shield has increased sharply.
Maaden’s success now serves as tangible proof that Saudi Arabia’s geological potential rivals that of more established mining jurisdictions.
Mahd Gold Mine Adds to the Growth Story
In addition to the new discoveries, Maaden has continued expanding resources at the historic Mahd Gold Mine. Through advanced drilling, the company extended the mine’s mineralised envelope and identified new zones of interest.
As a result, Mahd Gold Mine may enjoy a longer operational life than previously anticipated. Together with the new discoveries, this reinforces Saudi Arabia’s growing gold production base.
Maaden’s Long-Term Growth Strategy
Maaden CEO Bob Wilt emphasised that the discovery reflects the company’s long-term commitment to unlocking Saudi Arabia’s mineral wealth. According to Wilt, sustained exploration remains essential for building a globally competitive mining business.
In particular, the new gold resources will:
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Strengthen future cash flow generation
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Improve long-term production visibility
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Support strategic capital investment decisions
At the same time, Maaden continues exploring for copper, nickel, zinc, and platinum group metals, all of which play critical roles in energy transition technologies.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
Gold exploration and mining create value beyond direct production. For example, new discoveries support:
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Skilled employment opportunities
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Infrastructure development in remote regions
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Growth in logistics and supply chains
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Expansion of downstream processing industries
As Saudi Arabia builds domestic mining capabilities, these benefits contribute directly to economic resilience and diversification.
Global Market and Investment Implications
Although the 7.8 million ounces represent resources rather than reserves, the discovery sends a strong signal to global markets. Sustained exploration success increases investor confidence and reinforces Saudi Arabia’s credibility as a mining destination.
Moreover, the discovery suggests that Saudi Arabia could play a larger role in global gold supply over the long term. As exploration continues, additional discoveries may further enhance this position.
Responsible Mining and ESG Commitments
Maaden continues to align its operations with international environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. The company prioritises responsible water use, land rehabilitation, and community engagement throughout its exploration activities.
As global scrutiny of mining practices intensifies, responsible development will remain critical to maintaining public trust and investor confidence.
What Comes Next for Maaden
Looking ahead, Maaden plans to expand drilling across multiple prospects within the Arabian Shield. As geological understanding improves, further resource upgrades appear likely.
Industry observers increasingly believe that the 7.8 million-ounce discovery represents only the beginning of a much larger mineral story unfolding in Saudi Arabia.
Conclusion
Maaden’s discovery of 7.8 million ounces of new gold resources marks a defining moment for Saudi Arabia’s mining sector. By converting geological potential into measurable assets, the company has strengthened its gold pipeline, advanced Vision 2030 goals, and positioned the Kingdom as an emerging global mining leader.
As exploration accelerates and new discoveries emerge, Saudi Arabia’s mining industry looks set for sustained growth—supporting economic diversification, industrial development, and long-term global relevance.
