Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – January 18, 2025 – The fourth edition of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF), a pivotal event for the global mining sector, concluded on January 16, 2025, at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh. The forum was held under the esteemed patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and gathered thousands of industry leaders, experts, and policymakers to discuss the future of the mining sector.
In his closing remarks, Bandar Alkhorayef, the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, expressed profound gratitude to the Kingdom's leadership for their unwavering support and patronage, which have played an instrumental role in the forum’s success. He highlighted that the Future Minerals Forum has emerged as a prominent global platform, not only elevating Saudi Arabia’s status in the mining sector but also showcasing its growing role as a key player in global resource development.
Minister Alkhorayef went on to emphasize that the continued leadership support reflects the Kingdom's strategic vision to advance and sustain the mining sector, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal of positioning mining as the third pillar of the national industrial economy. He also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the ministers, partners, and sponsors who helped elevate the discussions and outcomes of the forum, which focused on forging innovative solutions that ensure the sustainable use of mining resources for local communities.
One of the key successes of the FMF was its ability to expand beyond its original purpose of drawing attention to the mining regions of Africa, West, and Central Asia. Today, the forum has become a globally recognized platform for addressing the challenges and opportunities facing the mining industry. Through enriching discussions and exchanges of knowledge, FMF has solidified its place as a vital meeting point for sector leaders from around the world. Minister Alkhorayef expressed pride in the remarkable achievements of the forum, underscoring its transformative role in shaping the future of the global mining industry.
Looking ahead, the Minister stressed the importance of continued collaboration and partnership across the global mining community to foster a sustainable future for the sector. He stated that the outcomes of this year’s forum would serve as a launching pad for the next phase of development and growth, not only within Saudi Arabia but across the globe, contributing significantly to both economic and social development worldwide.
The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources reported an impressive turnout at this year’s forum, with 18,000 investment leaders, executives from major mining companies, and technical specialists from 165 countries in attendance. The event saw the participation of 405 speakers, including high-profile ministers, ambassadors, and heads of delegations from multiple nations, who contributed to 96 dynamic sessions. The forum addressed critical issues such as the value-added processes in the mining industry, fostering cooperation across mineral supply chains, and making essential investments in infrastructure that supports the growth and sustainability of the sector.
A major focus of the forum was on unlocking the potential of untapped mineral resources in regions such as Africa, West Asia, and Central Asia. Additionally, discussions centered on building resilient mineral supply chains and enhancing investment partnerships that can drive the mining and mineral processing sectors forward. One of the core objectives of the forum was to explore the sector's contribution to community development and to discuss strategies for leveraging artificial intelligence technologies to make data-driven decisions for the future of the mining industry.
The FMF also emphasized the importance of integrating local investments and forging partnerships to boost the mining sector's growth. The forum offered fresh perspectives on how to incorporate local communities into the minerals value chain while also promoting innovation and sustainability to secure the long-term future of the mining sector.
In a significant development, the forum culminated in the announcement of 126 agreements and memoranda of understanding, valued at a staggering SAR107 billion. These agreements spanned various critical areas, including exploration, mining, financing, research and development, innovation, sustainability, and the creation of value-added chains within the mining industries. This landmark achievement underscores the Forum’s importance as a platform for facilitating global collaboration and investment in the mining sector.
As the Future Minerals Forum draws to a close, its success is a testament to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in shaping the future of the global mining industry and advancing its Vision 2030 objectives. The forum’s legacy will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact, providing the mining sector with the tools, partnerships, and insights necessary to build a more sustainable and prosperous future.
