Riyadh, September 27, 2023, A global gathering of experts convened in Riyadh to deliberate on the creation of a regional center of excellence within the mining sector. The event, known as the "Role of Centers of Excellence in Establishing Mineral Supply Chains," is jointly hosted by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), the Future Minerals Forum (FMF), and the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources. It has drawn the participation of 40 international industrial experts, academics, and government officials specializing in mining. Their discussions revolve around the prospective establishment of a regional mining excellence center, which is a key outcome expected from the FMF's ministerial roundtable meeting scheduled for January 2024.
The event aims to outline the operational framework of this center, particularly focusing on its role in servicing the Central and West Asia and Africa region. Moreover, it emphasizes the significance of research, development, and innovation in sustaining a consistent supply of minerals and addressing the challenges faced by the region.
During his opening address at the event, Saeed Al-Shihri, Vice President of Energy and Industry at KACST, underscored the mining sector's importance as the third pillar of the national economy in Saudi Arabia. He highlighted the Kingdom's dedication, as outlined in the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030, to significantly boost the mining sector's contribution to the country's gross domestic product (GDP). Al-Shihri further emphasized the value of establishing a mining excellence center to meet the increasing demand for minerals across various industries, ensuring market stability, and driving industry growth and development.
The event is scheduled to conclude with a set of proposals and recommendations aimed at fostering innovation in mining technologies and policies, enhancing skills and knowledge in the field, and fortifying collaboration between the public and private sectors in the mining industry.
