Saudi Arabia is advancing its critical-minerals strategy after the Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) identified major new zones with potential for rare earths, lithium, nickel, and other battery metals. These findings stem from a comprehensive multi-year geological mapping programme leveraging airborne geophysics, geochemical sampling, and advanced imaging technologies.
The survey focuses on unlocking mineral potential across underexplored regions of the Arabian Shield. Early results reveal clusters of rare-earth elements linked to carbonatite systems and pegmatite belts exhibiting promising lithium signatures, positioning Saudi Arabia to become a strategically significant supplier amid tightening global supply chains for rare earths and battery metals.
The discovery of these zones is set to shape upcoming licensing rounds and attract international exploration companies specializing in critical minerals. By providing high-resolution geological datasets and a transparent regulatory framework, Saudi Arabia aims to reduce exploration risk, accelerate discovery timelines, and fast-track project development.
However, developing these resources is technically demanding. Rare-earth processing requires advanced separation facilities and strict environmental safeguards, while lithium and nickel projects depend on complex metallurgical processes and long-term offtake agreements. The kingdom faces the challenge of building midstream processing capacity, developing technical expertise, and aligning mineral development with broader industrial goals, including electric vehicle supply chains and renewable-energy components.
These SGS discoveries underscore Saudi Arabia’s push toward mineral self-reliance and economic diversification. While commercial viability still requires drilling and feasibility studies, early indicators suggest the kingdom could emerge as a new frontier in the global critical-minerals market.
