Global Minerals Demand Drives Policy, Investment And Technology, Says Industry Minister At Davos 2026

Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef stated that meeting soaring global demand for critical minerals required aligned government policies, large-scale long-term investment, and advanced technologies. Alkhorayef linked these elements with efficient supply chains and reliable infrastructure, noting their importance for making the sector sustainable and supporting global economic transformation.

Alkhorayef delivered these comments during a dialogue on the future of minerals at the Saudi House pavilion, held alongside the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos. The session examined how governments and private companies could cooperate to integrate regulation, investment, and technology, so the mining and minerals sector could respond to rising worldwide demand.

The minister explained that the global mining sector was experiencing a clear shift, as mineral demand rose across many industries. Renewable energy projects remained an important driver, yet Alkhorayef pointed out that technological progress, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing were now adding strong extra pressure on supplies of key minerals across international markets.

Addressing Saudi Arabia’s role, Alkhorayef highlighted the Kingdom’s work on an integrated mining ecosystem designed to attract investment. He said the Kingdom had adopted a risk-reduction approach, which included comprehensive geological survey programmes, strict adherence to environmental standards, and systematic infrastructure development, helping accelerate licensing and improve the competitiveness of the overall investment climate.

Alkhorayef added that Saudi Arabia sought to maximise value from mineral resources by linking mining closely with the industrial sector. The Kingdom invested in midstream and downstream value chains, aiming to strengthen its position as a regional centre for mineral processing and to support the diversification of global supply chains serving different economic regions.

Future of minerals and role of technology

The minister underlined that technology formed a core pillar of the future of mining and minerals. He referred to growing interest in big data, remote mining operations, digital twins, and efficient energy management systems. Alkhorayef also stressed the importance of innovation and recycling, since minerals could often be reused, supporting more sustainable resource management.

Future of minerals and government responsibilities

Discussing the responsibilities of states, Alkhorayef said governments played a central role in guiding this sectoral transformation. Authorities worked on simplifying licensing processes, refining regulatory and legislative frameworks, and introducing financing tools adapted to the long timeframes of mining projects. Governments also supported technology ecosystems, expanded human capabilities, and built infrastructure allowing supply chains to reach international markets.

The participation of Alkhorayef in the Davos session formed part of Saudi Arabia’s wider engagement in the 2026 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting. The Kingdom used this platform to join global discussions on the future of the world economy, while underlining its position as a reliable partner in maintaining supply chains and supporting sustainable economic growth at the international level.

With inputs from SPA