Mecca, Oct 13 (V7N) – A massive new gold deposit has been discovered in the holy Mecca region of Saudi Arabia, spanning approximately 125 kilometers. The newly found mine, located south of the Mansura–Masarah gold mine, is being hailed as one of the largest discoveries in the country’s history, promising significant economic opportunities.
 
State-owned mining company Ma’aden reported that recent surveys identified high-grade gold deposits across nearly 100 kilometers. Laboratory analysis of samples revealed gold concentrations reaching up to 20.6 grams per ton of soil, considered “extremely rich” by international standards.
 
Ma’aden CEO Robert Wille stated, “This discovery will place Mecca on the global gold map. It is not only an economic milestone but also a historic step forward technologically.”
 
Currently, the Mansura–Masarah mine holds approximately 7 million ounces of gold, producing around 250,000 ounces annually. The new discovery is expected to dramatically increase production, with experts suggesting the region could evolve into a 125-kilometer “global gold belt.”
 
This gold discovery aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at reducing the country’s long-standing reliance on oil while developing mining, technology, and industrial sectors as new economic drivers.
 
Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef emphasized, “Our mining sector is now one of the fastest-growing globally. This gold discovery marks a historic milestone in diversifying Saudi Arabia’s economy.”
 
Ma’aden also reported additional gold and copper deposits near Wadi Al-Jaw and Jabal Shaiban, which could support large-scale future mining operations. Economists predict the new mine will generate thousands of jobs and attract multi-billion-dollar investments, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s position in the global gold market.
 
Currently, the world’s largest gold reserves are held by the United States (8,133.5 tons), followed by Germany (3,351 tons), Italy (2,451.8 tons), France (2,437 tons), and Russia (2,332.7 tons). Analysts suggest that Saudi Arabia’s new reserves could introduce new competition in the global gold market and positively influence international gold prices.
 
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