Ahead of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF), taking place in Riyadh from 13-15 January, Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mining Affairs Khalid bin Saleh Al-Mudaifer says the event reinforces Saudi Arabia’s commitment to shaping the future of minerals through dialogue.
As previously reported, Saudi Arabia is charting a new era of investor-centric mining and a minerals sector driven by a series of strategic initiatives under Saudi Vision 2030.
FMF reports the number of licenced mining companies operating in Saudi Arabia has grown from six in 2019 to more than 150, while exploration expenditure reached SAR$1.33 billion between 2019 and 2023.
As such, Saudi Arabia’s mining sector is shifting from a long-term ambition to a near-term investment hot-spot, underpinned by mineral potential estimated at US$2.5 trillion ($3.73 trillion).
The Vice Minister notes that infrastructure and exploration financing gaps remain key barriers for supplier nations seeking to expedite global mineral supply.
Since the launch of FMF in 2022, the event has responded by moving from dialogue to action, while also developing practical models to assess global infrastructure needs and their economic impact. FMF has also been coordinating with the World Bank to mobilise multilateral and commercial capital for cross-border projects.
“For the fifth edition, we are expecting participation from more than 100 countries and 70 international organisations to discuss priorities for enhancing global collaboration in supply chains, infrastructure financing, capacity building, transparency, and sustainability in the sector,” FMF Executive Director Ali Al-Mutairi says at a press conference held earlier this week.
FMF is built on three interlinked pillars aimed at maximising economic returns for producing countries, embedding sustainability as a priority for markets and local communities, and enhancing the readiness of capabilities to ensure the effective implementation of policies and governance frameworks.
Previously speaking to this news service, FMF Director of Strategy and Content Aldo Pennini said attendance at next year’s event is expected to increase from 18,000 in 2025 and 3,500 in 2022.
“The program has expanded to include more than 160 global speakers, including CEOs of the world’s biggest mining companies,” Pennini says.
The 2026 event’s theme ‘Dawn of a Global Cause’ suggests a shift in how the minerals sector positions itself globally. The theme represents two meanings for FMF – a commitment by countries to collaborate and a development-driven agenda.
Mining.com.au is a media partner for this year’s Future Minerals Forum and will be on the floor.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Future Minerals Forum
