Early Assays Spark Excitement but Drilling Will Test Saudi Projects’ True Potential

Exploration Breakthrough in Saudi Arabia

Resource Minerals International Ltd (ASX – RMI) has revealed encouraging high-grade gold and silver assay results from its recent rock chip sampling programs at the Shaib Marqan and Wadi Salamah projects in central Saudi Arabia. These results confirm the presence of significant mineralisation within the Arabian-Nubian Shield, a geological region known for hosting substantial mineral deposits.

At Shaib Marqan, 87 samples were collected, with standout gold assays reaching as high as 40.35 grams per tonne (g/t). Notably, 18 samples exceeded 1 g/t gold, sourced from quartz veins and wall rock outcrops. Meanwhile, Wadi Salamah’s 25 samples revealed gold grades up to 10.66 g/t accompanied by silver assays as high as 40.4 g/t, traced along a shear zone extending over 700 metres.

Geological Context and Historical Significance

Both projects lie within granted exploration licences covering nearly 190 square kilometres combined. Shaib Marqan is situated approximately 240 kilometres southwest of Riyadh, while Wadi Salamah lies about 320 kilometres west-southwest of the capital. The projects are hosted within Proterozoic rocks of the Arabian-Nubian Shield, a prolific mineral province stretching across Saudi Arabia and parts of northeast Africa.

Geological mapping and historical artisanal mining activities observed at both sites underscore the mineral potential. Quartz veins, shear zones, and visible sulphides were abundant, with ancient workings indicating a legacy of gold and silver extraction. Despite this, modern exploration has been limited, positioning RMI as an early mover in this emerging mining jurisdiction.

Next Steps – Targeted Exploration and Drilling

Building on these promising rock chip results, RMI plans to undertake detailed magnetic surveys to refine drill targets. This geophysical work will provide critical subsurface data to guide an upcoming maiden drilling program, aiming to delineate mineralisation continuity and resource potential. Additional regional exploration activities, including stream sediment sampling and geological mapping, are also planned to expand the understanding of the mineral systems.

Executive Chairman Asimwe Kabunga highlighted the strategic importance of these results, noting that the company is well positioned to capitalize on Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding mining sector. The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative has elevated mining as a key economic pillar, driving reforms and investment to diversify away from oil dependence and develop mineral-based industries.

Strategic Implications in a Growing Market

Saudi Arabia’s mining sector is undergoing significant transformation, supported by new mining laws and ambitious targets to generate jobs and reduce mineral imports. RMI’s foothold in this jurisdiction offers exposure to a market with substantial upside potential as exploration advances. The company’s dual projects in Saudi Arabia complement its broader portfolio, which includes copper-gold and nickel projects in Tanzania and lithium exploration in Finland.

While these rock chip assays are an early-stage indicator and not yet representative of a defined resource, they provide a compelling foundation for further exploration. Investors and industry watchers will be keenly awaiting results from the forthcoming magnetic surveys and drilling campaigns to assess the scale and economic viability of these mineralised zones.