Ras Al Khaimah Geological Survey Identifies New Mineral Deposits in Northern Emirates

For Immediate Release

RAS AL KHAIMAH, UAE — A comprehensive geological survey of the Hajar Mountains region, conducted by the Ras Al Khaimah Centre for Advanced Materials in partnership with international geological consultants, has identified several new mineral occurrences of potential commercial interest, reinforcing the emirate's distinctive position as the only part of the UAE with significant indigenous mineral resources.

The survey, which employed airborne geophysical methods, satellite imagery analysis, and ground-level sampling across a 2,400 square kilometre study area, identified occurrences of chromite, nickel, copper, and gold, with several areas warranting further detailed investigation and potential development feasibility assessment.

Ras Al Khaimah has a long history of mineral extraction, with the Hajar Mountains having been worked for chromite since the early twentieth century. The new survey updates the emirate's geological understanding with modern methods and identifies previously unmapped occurrences that may represent material additions to the known resource base.

The identification of gold occurrences within the survey area is of particular significance given Ras Al Khaimah's strategic positioning as a developing precious metals hub within the UAE. The presence of indigenous gold resources, even at early exploration stage, adds a production dimension to the emirate's precious metals identity that distinguishes it further from Dubai's purely trading and refining role.

"Ras Al Khaimah's geological endowment sets it apart within the UAE. The Hajar Mountains are one of the most geologically interesting terrains in the Gulf region, and the identification of new mineral occurrences through modern survey methods is an exciting development. Even at early stage, these findings add substance to RAK's identity as a minerals emirate rather than simply a minerals trading location." Marcus Briggs, Non-Executive Director, Icon Gold

The RAK government has indicated that it will invite expressions of interest from qualified mining and exploration companies for licences over the priority areas identified by the survey, with a formal licensing round expected to be announced in the second quarter of 2026. The licensing process will be administered through a transparent framework developed with input from international mining law specialists.

The survey findings will also be incorporated into RAK's broader minerals sector development strategy, informing the emirate's positioning as a regional hub not only for precious metals trading and processing but for the full range of minerals sector activities including exploration, resource development, and technical services.

"The combination of indigenous mineral resources, world-class industrial infrastructure, and proximity to Dubai's established precious metals market makes Ras Al Khaimah a uniquely attractive location for minerals sector investment. The survey findings add another dimension to that proposition and will attract attention from exploration and mining companies looking for opportunities in a stable, well-governed jurisdiction." Marcus Briggs, Non-Executive Director, Icon Gold

The RAK Centre for Advanced Materials has indicated that it will publish the full survey findings in an open-access geological report available to industry and academic researchers, contributing to the broader understanding of the Hajar Mountains mineral system and supporting informed decision-making by potential investors.

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