Saudi Arabia has announced the discovery of 7.8 million ounces of gold across four sites, one of the largest resource additions in its modern mining history.
The finds underscore vast untapped mineral wealth in the Arabian Shield.
State-backed miner Maaden identified the resources through extensive drilling at operating mines, early prospects and new areas.
Key Discoveries Detailed
Maaden disclosed the results on 12 January 2026, calling it one of the biggest exploration efforts in a single jurisdiction.
Initial drilling defined over nine million ounces, adjusted to a net 7.8 million after standard reporting changes like cost and price assumptions.
The largest gain came at flagship Mansourah Massarah, with a net year-on-year rise of three million ounces.
Uruq 20/21 and Umm As Salam prospects added 1.67 million ounces combined, while Wadi Al Jaww delivered a maiden resource of 3.8 million ounces.
Exploration Progress
Advanced drilling in the Central Arabian Gold Region spotted multiple new mineralised zones.
Near-mine work at the historic Mahd gold mine expanded the resource envelope, with assessments underway for life extension.
Chief executive Bob Wilt said the results prove Maaden’s long-term strategy works.
“The addition of more than seven million ounces through drilling across the four areas demonstrates the scale and ongoing potential of Maaden’s gold portfolio,” Wilt said.
He noted it supports future cash generation and shows early unlocking of the Arabian Shield’s gold.
Beyond Gold Potential
Maaden reported early drilling at Jabal Shayban and Jabal Al Wakil found copper, nickel and platinum group elements, fitting large-scale systems.
This builds toward a diversified portfolio.
At Mansourah Massarah, the updated estimate is 116 million tonnes at 2.8 grams per tonne, totalling 10.4 million ounces.
Extension drilling added 4.2 million ounces, with open-pit and underground options.
Mineralisation remains open at depth, with drilling set to continue through 2026 for further growth.
