Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – January 18, 2025 – The King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) has significantly strengthened its collaborations with both local and international organizations and companies to promote innovation and accelerate advancements in mining technologies. This was accomplished during the Kingdom’s active participation at the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2025, an event organized by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, held in Riyadh. The forum, which gathered key stakeholders from the global mining and minerals sector, aimed to address the pressing challenges facing the industry while exploring emerging opportunities for growth both regionally and internationally.
In a statement provided to the Saudi Press Agency, Dr. Saeed Al-Shehri, Vice President for the Energy and Industry Sector at KACST, emphasized the critical importance of the mining sector within the broader context of Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification efforts. As part of its Vision 2030 strategy, the Kingdom is seeking to position the mining industry as a key pillar of economic development. Dr. Al-Shehri highlighted that Saudi Arabia’s mineral reserves have recently been revalued at approximately $2.5 trillion—an impressive 90% increase from the previous estimate of $1.3 trillion. This significant upward revision underscores the enormous potential of the Kingdom's mining sector, positioning it as a major contributor to the national economy.
During the FMF, KACST forged a series of strategic partnerships aimed at advancing innovation within the mining sector. These collaborations included partnerships with the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program, the Saudi Geological Survey, the neoleap Company, and the Saudi Mining Services Company (ESNAD). Together, these entities will work on the creation of a mining innovation studio designed to attract global talent and foster the development of cutting-edge mining technologies. This studio is expected to serve as a hub for research and development, promoting the Kingdom as a leader in mining innovation.
KACST’s participation also extended to forging ties with international entities focused on advancing mining technologies. A notable partnership was formed with the Canadian Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation, which will help introduce emerging technologies in areas such as advanced metal processing, intelligent metal exploration, mining safety, and sustainability. These technologies are expected to drive efficiency, sustainability, and safety within the mining sector, aligning with global best practices.
As the national laboratory and innovation center of Saudi Arabia, KACST played a key role in organizing the Mining Excellence Zone at the FMF. This zone featured a collection of international companies and cutting-edge technologies from the mining industry, offering attendees a first-hand look at the latest advancements in mining technology. The inclusion of global innovators in this zone reflects KACST’s commitment to ensuring that the Kingdom remains at the forefront of the mining industry, harnessing state-of-the-art technologies to bolster economic growth and ensure the sustainability of its mineral resources.
The enhanced partnerships and strategic collaborations formed at the Future Minerals Forum signify Saudi Arabia’s determination to transform its mining sector into a global powerhouse. By attracting global talent, fostering technological advancements, and implementing sustainable practices, KACST and its partners are playing a pivotal role in realizing the objectives of Vision 2030. The initiatives discussed at the FMF will not only enhance the Kingdom’s mining capabilities but also contribute to the broader goal of diversifying its economy and achieving long-term economic stability.
