JAKARTA – A Saudi mining company has announced the discovery of significant mineral deposits containing copper, zinc, gold, and silver in the Najran region, marking a potentially substantial addition to the Kingdom’s natural resource portfolio.

Intensive Exploration Yields Promising Results

Almasane Alkobra Mining Co. (AMAK), a private Saudi mining firm, revealed the findings in a statement to Tadawul, the Saudi stock exchange. The company launched aggressive exploration activities shortly after obtaining permits for the area in September 2024.

Since February 2025, AMAK has conducted extensive drilling operations covering more than 27,000 meters as part of an intensive exploration program across the designated zone.

Estimated Resources Show Strong Growth Potential

Preliminary internal assessments indicate mineral resources totaling approximately 11 million tons. The company emphasized substantial growth prospects, noting that current drilling has covered less than 10% of the total permitted exploration area.

The discovered deposits contain multiple valuable minerals including copper, zinc, gold, and silver, though specific concentration levels and extraction feasibility details were not disclosed in the initial announcement.

Continued Exploration Planned

AMAK outlined plans to continue geophysical surveys and additional drilling programs throughout 2026 to refine current resource estimates. The company aims to release its inaugural mineral resource report complying with JORC (Joint Ore Reserves Committee) standards in the second half of 2026.

Strategic Location Advantages

The discovery site’s proximity to existing infrastructure enhances its economic viability. According to the company statement, the location sits approximately 100 kilometers from AMAK’s established processing center, potentially reducing future development and transportation costs.

This geographical advantage could accelerate project development timelines and improve overall economic feasibility when extraction operations commence.

Part of Broader Mining Sector Development

The discovery aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader economic diversification efforts under Vision 2030, which includes developing the Kingdom’s mining sector as a complement to its traditional petroleum-based economy. The government has identified mining as a key growth area, with the country’s geological surveys indicating substantial untapped mineral wealth.

The Najran region, located in southwestern Saudi Arabia near the Yemeni border, has emerged as an area of increasing mineral exploration interest, with geological conditions favorable for various metal deposits.

Original Article:

Hidayatullah.com. (2025, December 2). Arab Saudi Klaim Temukan Cadangan Emas Raksasa di Najran. Retrieved from https://hidayatullah.com/berita/2025/12/02/302686/arab-saudi-klaim-temukan-cadangan-emas-raksasa-di-najran.html