Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, January 15, 2025 – The Fourth Annual International Ministerial Meeting of Mining Ministers, held in conjunction with the Future Minerals Forum, concluded on Tuesday in Riyadh, marking a significant milestone in global efforts to address key challenges and promote sustainable development within the mining and minerals sector. The event brought together ministers and senior government officials from 89 countries, including 16 members of the Group of Twenty (G20), as well as representatives from 50 international governmental and non-governmental organizations, commodity trade unions, and leading figures from the global mining and minerals industry.
The meeting was officially opened by Saudi Arabia's Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, and chairman of the event, Bandar Alkhorayef, who delivered a keynote speech emphasizing the importance of continued international cooperation to overcome the challenges facing the mining sector. He highlighted the critical role the sector plays in advancing sustainable development and stressed that the mining and minerals industry is essential to the global economy’s transition to a more sustainable future. Alkhorayef’s address underscored the need for enhanced transparency, sustainability, and technological advancement, particularly in infrastructure and mining operations, to ensure the sector’s resilience and growth in the coming decades.
A core theme of the meeting was the importance of joint efforts between governments, industries, and local communities to achieve long-term goals in the mining sector. Alkhorayef called for the development of a comprehensive agreement on minerals to ensure the sustainability of global supply chains. The minister also encouraged attendees to share their ideas and initiatives aimed at enhancing international cooperation, fostering strategic partnerships, and ultimately building a prosperous future for the global mining and minerals sector.
The meeting’s final statement reflected the participants' recognition of Saudi Arabia’s significant role in fostering global dialogue on mining and minerals. It praised the Future Minerals Forum and the International Ministerial Meeting as leading platforms for collaboration between mineral-producing and consuming countries. These platforms are crucial for advancing practical steps to increase investments, enhance local value, and build capacity in the mining sector. The statement also underscored the need for responsible exploration and production practices that consider environmental sustainability and the well-being of local communities surrounding mining operations.
In terms of achievements, participants acknowledged the positive outcomes of the coordination groups, which have translated discussions into actionable steps that contribute to sustainable development. The importance of balancing resource utilization with environmental preservation was emphasized as a crucial aspect of the industry’s future. The meeting also reviewed the progress made in establishing a regional network of excellence centers, which was initiated in 2024. This network, spanning Africa and West and Central Asia, aims to build capacity in developing countries by equipping youth with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the growing mining sector. It also seeks to foster technological innovation, improve sustainability performance, and enhance geological surveying and exploration processes.
The first phase of the Excellence Centers Network, which consists of nine centers coordinated through the Future Minerals Forum platform, was presented at the meeting. The network aims to empower countries in Africa and West and Central Asia by developing future mining industries in an environmentally sustainable manner while maximizing the social and economic benefits of mining. Participants commended the success of these efforts, noting the positive impact the network has had in supporting sustainable mining development in the regions.
Looking ahead, the meeting participants agreed to take further steps toward establishing a General Agreement on Minerals, with a particular focus on developing new partnership models that prioritize comprehensive cooperation and increased investments in mineral supplies. A roadmap for cooperation was presented, outlining measures to reduce investment risks and promote a more stable and secure environment for future mining ventures. International organizations were urged to take a leading role in this initiative, with the aim of ensuring that the first phase of practical steps serves as a foundation for the implementation of subsequent phases.
As the Fourth Annual International Ministerial Meeting of Mining Ministers concluded, the participants reiterated their commitment to advancing the goals of the Future Minerals Forum and strengthening international collaboration in the mining and minerals sector. The progress made during the meeting underscores the global commitment to building a more sustainable, innovative, and responsible mining industry, positioning the sector as a key pillar of the global economy in the years to come.
