Gold found in 800 locations in Saudi Arabia

A total of 800 locations with gold content have been identified along the Derae Al Arabi region, according to Dr. Abdullahibn Issa Al Dabbagh, president of Saudi Arabian Mineral Company. "Work is still underway at these locations, digging works have been carried out in 51 locations to take samples for studies."

He added the Derae Al Arabi covers an area of 100,000 square kilometers. The locations where digging works are being carried out include Himda, Al Hejar, Mahd al-Dafeena and Shaiban.

"Gold is also found in 153 more locations along with other metal ores," he said. More information about these areas is available with the agency of petroleum and mineral resources, ministry of mineral resources. Al Dabbagh said feasibility studies have been completed on three mines, Al Amar, Al Hejar and Balgha.

The Saudi Arabia Mineral Company has presented an application to the ministry to secure exclusive mining rights in these areas, he said.

He also said that al Mahd al Dahab gold mine, which is fully owned by his company, has a capacity to produce 170,000 ounces of gold annually.

This company has a 50 percent stake in Al Sukhaibarat mine, which has a capacity to produce 90,000 ounces of gold annually.