Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, January 15, 2025 – The first day of the highly anticipated international Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh saw significant developments in the mining and minerals sector, as the fourth annual meeting of mining ministers convened. The event, which brings together key global stakeholders, was marked by the signing of numerous memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and cooperation agreements aimed at strengthening international partnerships and promoting growth in the mining industry. This step aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to enhance its role on the global stage, particularly in the context of the Kingdom’s ongoing economic transformation under the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative.
The Future Minerals Forum, a landmark event for the mining sector, has become an essential platform for fostering collaboration among mineral-producing countries. One of its central goals is to maximize the potential of the vast mining region stretching from Africa through to West and Central Asia. The forum serves as an important venue for discussing strategies to improve competitiveness in the production of strategic minerals, particularly those vital to global industries such as energy, technology, and manufacturing. By strengthening international ties and expanding areas of collaboration, the forum aims to ensure the sustainability and future growth of the mining industry, which is expected to play a crucial role in the transition to greener economies and sustainable energy sources.
Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Eng. Khalid Al-Mudaifer, spoke to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) about the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing the mining sector. He confirmed that on Wednesday, the government would announce a series of new discoveries across various fields, including significant mineral deposits. These discoveries reflect the growing development of Saudi Arabia’s mining sector, reinforcing the country’s ambition to become a leading global hub for sustainable mining. Al-Mudaifer also stressed the importance of enhancing human capabilities in the sector and leveraging cutting-edge technology to drive innovation, as part of Saudi Arabia’s overarching strategy to achieve sustainable development goals.
The Future Minerals Forum, which hosts nearly 90 countries and features 16 members of the Group of Twenty (G20), along with over 50 international and non-governmental organizations, is a pivotal gathering for the global mining industry. This year’s event brings together top mining leaders, government representatives, and industry experts to discuss the future of the sector and its role in advancing sustainable economies and supporting global energy transition efforts. Running through January 16, the forum is expected to yield key agreements that will bolster international cooperation and further solidify Saudi Arabia’s position as a global mining powerhouse.
As the Kingdom continues to invest in its natural resources and infrastructure, the Future Minerals Forum serves as a vital stepping stone in its quest to lead the mining sector on the world stage. With an emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration, the forum plays a crucial role in positioning Saudi Arabia as a central player in the global minerals market.
