Industry Resources Minister Bandar Alkhorayef Discusses Mining Cooperation With U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright

Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef recently met with U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright to discuss enhancing mining cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the United States. The meeting focused on exploring joint opportunities in the critical minerals sector, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening ties in this area.

The officials stressed the importance of advancing cooperation to support critical mineral supply chains amid rising global demand. This discussion aligns with the Memorandum of Cooperation signed in May 2025 between Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and the U.S. Department of Energy during the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum in Riyadh.

Alkhorayef highlighted Saudi Arabia's dedication to improving its investment environment within the mining sector. Efforts are underway to make it more attractive by simplifying regulatory and legislative processes, which are part of a broader strategy to explore and develop mineral resources for economic diversification.

Chris Wright acknowledged Saudi Arabia's significant role in the global mining industry. He emphasized the need for international cooperation, public-private partnerships, and adopting advanced mining technologies to ensure sustainable growth in this sector.

The meeting also spotlighted the International Mining Conference, an annual event hosted by Saudi Arabia. This conference serves as a key platform for decision-makers, NGOs, investors, mining technology firms, and research institutions to collaborate on innovative solutions addressing challenges in the mining and minerals sector.

Alkhorayef invited Wright to attend the fifth edition of this conference, scheduled for January 13-15, 2026, in Riyadh. This invitation underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to fostering international dialogue and collaboration within the mining industry.

The discussions between Alkhorayef and Wright reflect a mutual interest in bolstering ties between their countries' mining sectors. By focusing on critical minerals and sustainable practices, both nations aim to address global demand while promoting economic growth through strategic partnerships.

With inputs from SPA