Saudi Miner AMAK Reports 11 Million Tonnes of Copper, Zinc, Gold and Silver in Najran Discovery
Major find in southern region could unlock vast mineral potential as Riyadh accelerates post-oil economic diversification
A leading Saudi mining company has announced the discovery of substantial reserves of copper, zinc, gold and silver in the Najran region — an estimate of 11 million tonnes of ore that may significantly boost the Kingdom’s non-oil mineral output.
Almasane Alkobra Mining Company (AMAK) revealed the find after drilling over 27,000 metres since February 2025, covering less than ten percent of the licensed exploration area.
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The company’s statement indicates that the newly identified resources come from an area that, once fully explored and developed, could considerably expand Saudi Arabia’s mining sector.
AMAK has already begun concept studies to advance the site — comprising the Najran region — toward a full mining licence.
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This discovery builds on a trend earlier in 2025, when Ma’aden — the state-backed mining giant — reported new gold and copper deposits in the western Arabian Shield, including at Wadi Al Jaww and Jabal Shayban, underscoring the broadening geological prospects across the Kingdom.
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Saudi officials say the fresh find supports the government’s long-term economic vision to reduce dependence on oil revenue by tapping mineral wealth.
Analysts note that copper and zinc, alongside gold and silver, are in increasing global demand — especially for use in renewable energy, infrastructure, electronics and batteries.
With the Kingdom already estimated to have mineral wealth worth trillions of dollars, the Najran discovery may accelerate foreign and domestic investment in mining infrastructure and downstream industries.
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AMAK emphasised that exploration is still underway: only a small fraction of the total licence has been drilled, and further geological, environmental and feasibility studies are required before any large-scale extraction can begin.
Nevertheless, the announcement marks one of the most significant recent milestones in Saudi Arabia’s mining push, highlighting the Kingdom’s increasing role as a major global source of critical minerals.
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Almasane Alkobra Mining Company (AMAK) revealed the find after drilling over 27,000 metres since February 2025, covering less than ten percent of the licensed exploration area.
:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
The company’s statement indicates that the newly identified resources come from an area that, once fully explored and developed, could considerably expand Saudi Arabia’s mining sector.
AMAK has already begun concept studies to advance the site — comprising the Najran region — toward a full mining licence.
:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
This discovery builds on a trend earlier in 2025, when Ma’aden — the state-backed mining giant — reported new gold and copper deposits in the western Arabian Shield, including at Wadi Al Jaww and Jabal Shayban, underscoring the broadening geological prospects across the Kingdom.
:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Saudi officials say the fresh find supports the government’s long-term economic vision to reduce dependence on oil revenue by tapping mineral wealth.
Analysts note that copper and zinc, alongside gold and silver, are in increasing global demand — especially for use in renewable energy, infrastructure, electronics and batteries.
With the Kingdom already estimated to have mineral wealth worth trillions of dollars, the Najran discovery may accelerate foreign and domestic investment in mining infrastructure and downstream industries.
:contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
AMAK emphasised that exploration is still underway: only a small fraction of the total licence has been drilled, and further geological, environmental and feasibility studies are required before any large-scale extraction can begin.
Nevertheless, the announcement marks one of the most significant recent milestones in Saudi Arabia’s mining push, highlighting the Kingdom’s increasing role as a major global source of critical minerals.
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