Saudi Arabia announces the discovery of uranium and rare metals and confirms its commitment to nuclear transparency

The Saudi Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources, Abdulaziz bin Salman, announced on Monday the discovery of about 110 million tons of ore containing promising concentrations of uranium and rare earth minerals in Medina.

He also stressed during the International Atomic Energy Agency conference in Vienna that Saudi Arabia “does not seek to develop its peaceful nuclear program in isolation from the international community or through activities conducted in bunkers or hidden facilities deep in the mountains.”

The Saudi minister indicated that the Kingdom seeks to "build a more diverse and sustainable national mix, including introducing nuclear energy in accordance with a regulatory framework consistent with its international obligations," according to statements broadcast on Saudi television.

Bin Salman stressed that Saudi Arabia “works in full transparency with its partners and in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency,” adding: “We seek to build a methodology that will set an example.”

It is noteworthy that last month, the administration of US President Donald Trump referred the nuclear cooperation agreement signed with Saudi Arabia to Congress, according to what an administration official and a number of aides to members of Congress told CNN.

The agreement, which allows uranium enrichment on Saudi territory, will enter into force within 90 days unless both houses of Congress issue resolutions of rejection, in accordance with the US Atomic Energy Act.