Industry Minister Bandar Alkhorayef Opens Fourth Future Minerals Forum To Enhance Global Mining Cooperation

The fourth Future Minerals Forum began in Riyadh, inaugurated by Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef on behalf of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The event attracted over 20,000 participants from 170 countries and featured 250 speakers across more than 70 sessions. Alkhorayef highlighted the forum's alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to strengthen the mining sector as a key economic driver.

Alkhorayef emphasised the importance of addressing global challenges like securing critical minerals and ensuring a sustainable energy transition. "Today, we face pressing global challenges, such as securing critical minerals and ensuring a sustainable energy transition. Through this forum, we aim to enhance international cooperation, forge strategic partnerships, and harness innovation and technology to meet the growing global demands," he stated.

The minister outlined Saudi Arabia's progress in mining through ambitious initiatives and leadership. Notable efforts include the Exploration Enablement Program, which facilitated over 440,000 meters of drilling across more than 50,000 square kilometers of mineral-rich areas. These initiatives are part of transforming Riyadh into a global hub for mining innovation.

Additionally, the launch of a mining innovation studio marks another step toward enhancing Riyadh's role in global mining innovation. This initiative aims to foster technological advancements and creative solutions within the sector.

The fourth Ministerial Roundtable meeting took place on Tuesday with representatives from 89 countries. Discussions focused on practical measures to enhance collaboration among governments and international organisations. The goal is to establish resilient mineral value chains across regions from Africa to West and Central Asia.

Alkhorayef encouraged attendees to use the forum as a platform for exchanging ideas and expertise. He stressed working together to strengthen the mining sector for sustainable development while creating economic and social opportunities.

Forum Sessions Address Key Issues

Over two days, forum sessions will tackle urgent issues related to mineral supplies. Topics include value addition, collaboration across supply chains, infrastructure investments, untapped resources in Africa and West Asia's mining sectors, and strategies for building resilient supply chains.

The minister urged viewing challenges as opportunities for creativity and collaboration rather than obstacles. He called for innovative solutions that benefit people worldwide through collective efforts in the mining sector.

The forum serves as a crucial platform for fostering international cooperation in addressing these pressing issues while aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 goals.

With inputs from SPA