Saudi Arabia has discovered an estimated 110 million tonnes of uranium-bearing ore and rare earth minerals in Medina, according to reports quoting Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. The discovery was made during exploration and geological studies at the Jabal Sayid project in the Medina region.

"Exploration and geological studies at the Jabal Sayid project in Madinah (Medina) have revealed estimated resources of around 110 million tonnes of ore with high concentrations of rare earth minerals, especially the heavy elements, alongside promising concentrations of uranium," Arab News reported bin Salman as saying.

The discovery comes at a sensitive time for Saudi Arabia, which is home to Islam's two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina. Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, after which the city became a key centre for the foundation of Islam.

Saudi Arabia has faced growing security challenges in the region. Iran has targeted the kingdom for hosting American military bases, while the Houthi militia in Yemen has restricted Saudi Arabia's maritime access to the Red Sea. The wider Middle East conflict has also intensified tensions over Iran's nuclear programme.

The United States and Israel have sought to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear programme, which they have described as a potential route to weapons of mass destruction. Tehran has maintained that its nuclear programme is intended for peaceful civilian purposes.

Saudi Arabia, a major Sunni power in the region, has sought to balance the influence of Shia-majority Iran. The kingdom has also been working to diversify its economy and energy sector. Under the Vision 2030 programme, Riyadh has increased efforts to develop mineral resources, explore domestic uranium extraction and develop civilian nuclear power capabilities.

The uranium-bearing ore discovery is significant in the context of Saudi Arabia's expanding nuclear ambitions. It follows a US-Saudi agreement to develop a civilian nuclear programme in the kingdom. The two countries signed the pact in July along with a bilateral protection agreement. The agreements were presented as the foundation for a "decades-long, multibillion-dollar partnership".

Under the nuclear agreement, US companies would assist Saudi Arabia in developing its civilian nuclear energy programme. The deal also gives Riyadh the option to enrich uranium on its own soil without American oversight.

The discovery could augur well for Saudi Arabia's plans to develop its domestic nuclear and mineral resources. The kingdom has increasingly focused on using its natural resources to support its long-term energy diversification strategy while reducing its dependence on traditional oil revenues.