Global Geoscience Data Standards Harmonization At IGSM During The Fifth Future Minerals Forum

Riyadh hosted the third International Geological Survey Meeting as part of the fifth Future Minerals Forum, drawing an unprecedented number of heads of geological survey authorities from different continents. The gathering was chaired by Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mining Affairs Eng. Khalid Almudaifer, with Saudi Geological Survey CEO Eng. Abdullah Al Shamrani also taking part in the high‑level discussions.

Officials described the International Geological Survey Meeting as a central platform for strengthening cooperation between national surveys and the mining industry. Delegates highlighted how the global mining sector depends on trusted geological information that is easy to use. They underlined that improved data can speed up mineral discoveries and make projects more attractive to international investors.

In his opening address, Eng. Khalid Almudaifer said that reliable geological data is the most important factor for accelerating exploration and drawing capital into mining. Almudaifer explained that participants aimed to agree on practical methods to collect and share geological information digitally, in formats that work both for geoscientists and for artificial intelligence systems that analyse large datasets.

The second session of the International Geological Survey Meeting concentrated on geological data systems, with contributions from experts representing BHP and the Saudi Geological Survey. Speakers examined how to design digital platforms that manage geological data at lower cost, can be accessed by all supplier countries, and stay aligned with new mining business models used by international companies.

The programme also featured a session on Geological Centers of Excellence, which explored how specialised research hubs can create collaborative international environments and sharpen exploration targeting accuracy. Another major topic at the International Geological Survey Meeting was geological surveying capacity building, including agreement to review two flagship initiatives aimed at aligning skills and supporting cross‑border knowledge sharing.

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The first initiative was the Common Global Geoscience Competency Framework, which aims to harmonise skills standards for geoscientists worldwide. The second was the Geoscience Without Borders programme, which seeks to promote expert exchanges and close skills gaps across the so‑called Super Region that covers Africa, West and Central Asia, and Latin America, using shared training and coordinated projects among national surveys.

Outcomes from the International Geological Survey Meeting

The International Geological Survey Meeting 2026 ended with clear commitments to move from discussion to action. Delegates agreed to adopt the global competency framework, start a structured skills exchange programme, and raise investment in artificial intelligence tools to reduce critical data gaps. Almudaifer stressed the creation of specialised working groups to deliver measurable results for presentation at the 2027 meeting, noting that the future of mining depends on these solid geological foundations.

With inputs from SPA