The Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) has recorded a major milestone in its drive toward global leadership, announcing the addition of 7.8 million ounces of gold to its mineral resources.
The announcement came on the eve of the International Mining Conference, which opens Tuesday in Riyadh. Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef said the Kingdom’s mining sector is now the fastest growing in the world.
The increase is the result of intensive exploration and resource development programs carried out at four strategic sites across Saudi Arabia. These include the Mansourah–Massarah mine - the Kingdom’s newest and largest - along with Umm al-Salam, Uruq 20/21, a new discovery at Wadi al-Jaw, additional sites within the Central Arabian Gold Region, and the historic Mahd Ad Dhahab mine.
The achievement reinforces Maaden’s strategy of positioning mining as the third pillar of Saudi industry and a key driver of economic diversification under Vision 2030.
In January last year, Maaden announced the discovery of several gold- and copper-bearing sites at Wadi al-Jaw and Jabal Shayban, as well as evidence of strong gold mineralization beneath its main open-pit operations at Mansourah–Massarah, though data at the time was insufficient to estimate scale and grade.
Strategy Bearing Fruit
Commenting on the latest results, Maaden Chief Executive Officer Bob Wilt said in a statement published on the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul) that the discoveries provide clear proof the company’s long-term strategy is delivering tangible results. He added that continued investment in Saudi Arabia’s gold potential would strengthen future cash flows and bolster Maaden’s global financial standing.
Wilt noted that the company is still at an early stage in unlocking the vast potential of the Arabian Shield, stressing that the depth and breadth of Maaden’s resource portfolio - from operating mines to early-stage discoveries - highlight the scale of opportunity. Strong drilling results, he said, demonstrate sustainable growth and the ability to convert geological prospects into high-value mineral assets.
Beyond gold, Wilt pointed to promising early indicators for base metals at sites such as Jabal Shayban and Jabal al-Wakil, including copper, nickel, and platinum, minerals central to advanced global industries.
Mansourah–Massarah Expansion
Updated resource estimates at Mansourah–Massarah underscore the scale of expansion underway. Resources now stand at 116 million tons with an average grade of 2.8 grams of gold per ton, equivalent to 10.4 million ounces. Expansion and conversion drilling identified an additional 4.2 million ounces, translating into a net annual increase of 3 million ounces after technical adjustments.
Integrated Discoveries
At Umm al-Salam and Uruq 20/21, total resources reached 50.6 million tons at an average grade of 2.1 grams per ton, adding 3.41 million ounces. These discoveries directly support plans to expand the Mansourah–Massarah processing hub, improving efficiency and lowering costs.
At Wadi al-Jaw, Maaden announced an initial estimate of 3.08 million ounces of gold from 76.8 million tons, identified in just over a year following extensive drilling across 55 kilometers. Exploration continues in surrounding areas, including Jabal Wa’lah.
In the Central Arabian Gold Region, Maaden also confirmed a new discovery at Al-Rajum North mine, while drilling at Mahd Ad Dhahab has successfully expanded mineralization beyond existing models, extending the mine’s operational life.
