Is Zakat obligatory on excavated minerals?

Chapter on Zakat on Gold and Silver

Al-Mughni

Book of Zakat

Book 8 · Issue 1 · Bab 5

Open in Qurani

Primary text

Zakat is obligatory upon any substance extracted from the earth that has intrinsic value and is not naturally occurring within the earth, such as iron, sapphire, peridot, crystal, agate, obsidian, kohl, vitriol, arsenic sulfide, and ochre. Furthermore, Zakat is due on flowing minerals like bitumen, naphtha, and sulfur. This ruling is established by the generality of the verse, "And of what We have brought forth for you from the earth" (Quran 2:267). Additionally, since any gained mineral wealth would be subject to one-fifth apportionment (Khums), Zakat must be due upon its extraction from the mine, similar to gold. The term 'Ma'dan' (mine) signifies something originating from a substance other than the earth itself.

Supporting text

When the extracted mineral reaches a value of two hundred dirhams, or its equivalent in mercury, lead, brass, or other substances extracted from the earth, Zakat is due immediately upon its extraction.