Saudi Arabia discovers huge gold deposits in Medina as it offers 'opportunities to the world'

The Saudi Geological Survey says it has found significant deposits of gold and copper ore within the boundaries of one of the holiest cities in Islam, Medina, in a discovery he hopes will help diversify their oil-dependent economy

Saudi geologists estimate that there are around 5,300 mining sites in the kingdom, some containing high-value metals like gold (

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Saudi Arabia has discovered huge deposits of gold and copper beneath one of Islam's holiest cities.

The Saudi Geological Survey announced that it had discovered significant deposits of gold and copper ore within the limits of Medina in a message on Twitter.

"With our discoveries, we open more avenues of promising investment opportunities to the world," he writes.

Saudi officials hope the discovery will attract $533m (£481m) in international investment and generate 4,000 new jobs, according to reports.

Geologists in the country estimate that the Kingdom has more than 5,300 mining sites, which contain deposits of metals, construction materials, decorative rocks and precious stones.

Mining is a sector that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has pledged to strengthen as part of his Vision 2030 plan.

Medina is the second holiest city in Islam where Muhammad established the Muslim community and where his body is buried (

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The program would see the Gulf State diversify its economy, reducing its dependence...