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Saudi Arabia’s Maaden Discovers 7.8 Million Ounces of Gold

GreenWatch Desk: Industry 2026-01-17, 4:02pm

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Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) has announced the discovery of 7.8 million ounces of new gold resources across four sites in the Kingdom, boosting its domestic mineral reserves and global gold ambitions.

The new resources were identified at Mansourah Massarah, Uruq 20/21, Umm As Salam, and the newly defined Wadi Al Jaww site. Mansourah Massarah contributed the largest increase with three million ounces, while Uruq 20/21 and Umm As Salam together added 1.67 million ounces. Wadi Al Jaww delivered a maiden resource of 3.08 million ounces.

CEO Bob Wilt said the findings affirm Maaden’s long-term strategy. “These results confirm that our investment in Saudi Arabia’s gold potential is delivering tangible outcomes,” he said.

Wilt added that the discoveries demonstrate the scale of Maaden’s exploration pipeline and its potential for future cash generation. “Adding more than seven million ounces across four areas shows the ongoing strength of our gold portfolio as we advance exploration and mine development,” he said.

Maaden’s 2026 exploration programme is focused on the Central Arabian Gold Region, where drilling has revealed new mineralised zones and potential mine extensions. Work is also underway near the historic Mahd gold site to assess opportunities to extend mine life.

Wilt noted that the results support Maaden’s diversification plans into copper and nickel. “Early results from Shayban and Jabal Al Wakil signal that the Arabian Shield holds significant multi-commodity potential, reinforcing our ambition to build a strong portfolio alongside our growing gold business,” he said.

The Mansourah Massarah project now hosts an estimated 116 million tonnes grading 2.8 grams of gold per tonne, equivalent to 10.4 million ounces. Mineralisation remains open at depth, with further drilling planned through 2026.