110 million tons: The uranium that will change Saudi Arabia's nuclear program

Saudi Arabia announced the discovery of a uranium deposit in the Medina region, estimated at 110 million tons of ore, as it accelerates its civilian nuclear program and builds its first reactors. Riyadh seeks to develop the full nuclear fuel cycle, raising questions about uranium enrichment. Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman did not disclose the uranium concentration in the ore, making it impossible to assess the practical and economic viability of extraction.

Saudi Arabia announced the discovery of a uranium deposit in the Medina region, estimated at approximately 110 million tons of ore. Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman revealed the discovery but did not disclose the uranium concentration in the ore, making it impossible at this stage to assess the economic and practical viability of extracting uranium from the deposit. Bin Salman said the kingdom is continuing exploration for uranium on its territory, while also working to extract uranium produced as a byproduct in fertilizer production. The discovery comes as Riyadh accelerates its civilian nuclear program. In July, the United States and Saudi Arabia signed a 123 agreement for civilian nuclear cooperation, allowing American companies to participate in building nuclear infrastructure in the kingdom, including uranium enrichment and constructing reactors using American technology. According to the Saudi Energy Ministry, the nuclear program aims to reduce dependence on oil and gas for electricity generation, preserve more oil for export, and assist in water desalination. The program includes building the first nuclear power plant with two pressurized water reactors and developing capabilities in the nuclear fuel cycle. The possibility that Saudi Arabia will maintain an independent uranium enrichment capability raises concerns about nuclear proliferation, especially given Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's statement that if Iran obtains nuclear weapons, his country would seek a similar capability.