Makkah's Hidden Treasures | Massive Gold Reserves Discovered in Saudi Arabia's Makkah Region

Makkah's Hidden Treasures | Massive Gold Reserves Discovered in Saudi Arabia's Makkah Region

Makkah's Hidden Treasures | Massive Gold Reserves Discovered in Saudi Arabia's Makkah Region | image for illustration purpose only 

Introduction : 

Saudi Arabia has made a groundbreaking announcement, unveiling a substantial gold resource within the Kingdom. 

The discovery, spanning a 100 km stretch south of the Mansourah Massarah gold mine in the Al Khurmah governorate of the Makkah region, is set to reshape the country's mining landscape.

The Maaden Exploration Initiative : 

The Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) spearheads this historic find, marking the initial success of its extensive exploration program launched in 2022. 

With an eye on establishing a robust metal production line, Maaden's discovery promises new horizons for gold mining in the region.

Uruq South's Golden Trail :

Positive drill results from Uruq South, echoing geological similarities to the Mansourah Massarah deposit, reveal high-grade gold deposits of 10.4 grams per ton (g/t) and 20.6 g/t in random drilling locations. This revelation sparks plans for intensified drilling activities around Mansourah Massarah in 2024.

Expanding the Gold Belt : 

Maaden's exploration efforts extend to Jabal al-Ghadara and Bir al-Tawila, showcasing positive drilling results and hinting at a potential 125 km strike. 

This discovery opens doors to developing a world-class gold belt in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the nation's Vision 2030 initiative.

Resource Expansion Potential : 

Close scrutiny of near-mine drilling results suggests the resource is open at depth and along the strike. 

This offers a promising opportunity for substantial resource expansion at Mansourah Massarah, potentially extending the mine's life through underground development.

Current Status and Future Prospects : 

By the end of 2023, Mansourah Massarah reported nearly seven million ounces of gold resources with a production capacity of 250,000 ounces per year. 

Maaden's CEO, Robert Wil, envisions these discoveries as a catalyst for the world's next gold rush, contributing significantly to Saudi Arabia's economic diversification and growth strategy.

Maaden's Role and Technological Advancements : 

Maaden, with a 67% ownership by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), plays a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia's mining sector. 

The Mansourah Massarah gold mine, equipped with cutting-edge mining, processing, and environmental sustainability technologies, stands as the nation's newest and most advanced gold mine, producing 11,982.84 ounces of gold in 2022.

Conclusion : 

In conclusion, Saudi Arabia's gold discovery in the Makkah region marks a turning point in the country's mining industry. 

With Maaden at the forefront, the potential for resource expansion and the establishment of a major gold belt positions Saudi Arabia as a key player in the global gold market. 

This breakthrough aligns seamlessly with Vision 2030, showcasing the untapped mineral resources and cementing mining as a cornerstone of the Saudi economy.

Content Image Source Courtesy : 

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

https://saudigazette.com.sa/article