Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with U.S.-based MP Materials. This is to explore the development of a fully integrated rare earth supply chain in Saudi Arabia. The deal, announced during the 2025 U.S.–Saudi Investment Forum in Riyadh, marks a strategic push. It aims to position the Kingdom as a global hub for critical minerals.
The Saudi rare earth partnership will focus on mining, separation, refining, and magnet production. This will establish an end-to-end value chain for rare earth elements (REEs), which are essential to industries such as energy, transportation, robotics, and aerospace.
“This partnership lays the groundwork for a vertically integrated supply chain that supports advanced manufacturing in the Kingdom,” said Bob Wilt, CEO of Maaden. “It’s a vital step in transforming mining into the third pillar of Saudi Arabia’s economy.”
Saudi Rare Earth Deal Targets Full Value Chain
Maaden and MP Materials will combine exploration capabilities and processing expertise. Their aim is to de-risk and accelerate the development of REE deposits across Saudi Arabia. The Saudi rare earth partnership also aims to leverage the Kingdom’s competitive energy base, industrial infrastructure, and strategic location. This initiative will help meet the growing global demand for rare earth magnets.
James Litinsky, Founder and CEO of MP Materials, described the agreement as “a first step towards rebalancing the global supply chain during a period of transformational growth.” He cited robotics and physical AI applications as areas of focus.
The agreement underscores deepening Saudi–U.S. economic relations and aligns with Vision 2030 goals to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and localize high-value industrial supply chains.
The Saudi Standard’s View: Minerals Strategy With Global Intent
This rare earth partnership is more than bilateral—it’s geopolitical. As global demand for critical minerals intensifies, Saudi Arabia’s move to co-develop a vertically integrated REE supply chain signals clear industrial intent. Maaden is not just extracting minerals—it’s capturing their value, embedding them in manufacturing, and reshaping global sourcing strategies.
Forging ties with a U.S. leader like MP Materials reflects trust in Saudi regulatory maturity and resource potential. Vision 2030 calls for value creation beyond extraction. This deal meets that challenge by targeting downstream integration and international leadership.
