Saudi Arabia Builds Uranium Extraction Facility with China's Help... Preparing to Possess 'Nuclear' Capability?

Saudi Uranium Ore Facility Still Under Wraps
US, Israel Monitor Saudi Nuclear Development Intentions

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Saudi Arabia is reported to have built a uranium ore (yellowcake, a type of uranium concentrate) extraction facility with the help of China. While Saudi Arabia has announced plans for the peaceful use of nuclear energy, some experts warn of the possibility of attempts to acquire nuclear weapons.

According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 4th (local time), Saudi Arabia constructed a uranium ore extraction facility with China's assistance. Yellowcake, the uranium concentrate, is part of the process of extracting uranium from uranium ore.

This facility has been built in the northwestern region of Saudi Arabia, where almost no population resides, and has not been publicly disclosed until now. It is reported that there have been significant concerns from the United States and others regarding this facility, due to fears that Saudi Arabia might pursue nuclear weapons development.

However, many details about the facility remain shrouded in secrecy. According to U.S. government officials, only Saudi Arabia's key allies, including the United States, are aware of the facility, and it is not known whether the facility is actually operational or other specific details.

Nevertheless, WSJ reported that Saudi Arabia has not violated any international agreements related to this facility.

Saudi Arabia can secure uranium ore not only domestically but also from neighboring countries such as Jordan. This ore must undergo a chemical processing stage to be converted into a fine powder. Afterward, the purity is increased to be used for nuclear power generation. For weaponization, the purity must be raised even further. To move beyond securing nuclear fuel for power generation to the weaponization stage, enrichment facilities are necessary.

Concerns about Saudi Arabia's nuclear energy plans are significant across both parties in the United States. Previously, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia stated in 2018 that "if Iran acquires nuclear weapons, Saudi Arabia will also acquire them as soon as possible."

Saudi Arabia's actions are also causing tensions with Israel, in addition to the United States.

However, Saudi Arabia actively denies that this facility is related to uranium. The Saudi government has confirmed that it received assistance from Chinese institutions regarding uranium extraction.

Saudi Arabia has expressed its intention to build nuclear power plants to reduce its dependence on oil.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.