Geological Data Standards Harmonisation Discussed At IGSM During Fifth Future Minerals Forum

Riyadh in 2026 hosted the third International Geological Survey Meeting (IGSM), held alongside the fifth Future Minerals Forum, where global survey leaders agreed that strong geological data, digital systems and shared skills are now central to future mining investment and that new cooperation tools are needed to close data and expertise gaps worldwide.

The gathering was chaired by Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mining Affairs Eng. Khalid Almudaifer, with CEO of Saudi Geological Survey Eng. Abdullah Al Shamrani present and moderating sessions that covered geological surveying capacity, digital data platforms and the work of Geological Centers of Excellence supporting exploration decisions in supplier countries.

Eng. Khalid Almudaifer stated that the global mining sector relies on dependable, accessible geological information, describing such data as the key factor that speeds up discoveries and supports capital flows, and explaining that IGSM 2026 aimed to turn that principle into practical steps built around digital sharing and technical cooperation.

Participants devoted one full session to geological data systems, where experts from BHP and the Saudi Geological Survey examined options for building affordable digital platforms that can handle complex geological datasets, remain open to all resource-supplying countries, and stay compatible with modern mining business models used by international investors and operators.

Another major discussion track examined human capital, with delegates assessing two headline initiatives, the Common Global Geoscience Competency Framework (CGGCF), which aims to align skills requirements across jurisdictions, and the Geoscience Without Borders programme, which supports expert exchanges and addresses shortages across Africa, West and Central Asia and Latin America.

Almudaifer highlighted that, beyond technology, geological uncertainty and limited specialist skills remain major obstacles for investors, so the meeting supported wider use of the global competency framework, expansion of training partnerships and the launch of a structured skills exchange programme coordinated through regional and international survey bodies.

The third session focused on Geological Centers of Excellence, which were presented as shared global hubs where surveys, researchers and companies can collaborate to refine exploration targeting, improve the precision of geological models and test analytical tools, including artificial intelligence systems designed to interpret large volumes of multi-source geoscience information.

IGSM 2026 ended with commitments to apply decisions through specialised working groups, which will advance adoption of the competency framework, oversee new skills exchange activities and guide higher investment in artificial intelligence to close data gaps, with results due to be reported collectively at the International Geological Survey Meeting planned for 2027.

With inputs from SPA