Over 80 countries gather in Riyadh for Future Minerals Forum
The Future Minerals Forum, held in Riyadh from 14 to 16 January, showcases significant international participation, underscoring the Kingdom's increasing global leadership in driving the conversation on the future of mining, Saudi Press Agency reported.
With representation from 89 countries, the event serves as a crucial platform to foster international collaboration and develop the mining sector, aligning with goals for sustainability and global economic growth.
The forum welcomed over 20,000 participants and featured 250 speakers across more than 70 sessions, emphasizing its pivotal role in discussing sustainable mining and promoting integration in the minerals industry regionally and globally.
During the fourth Ministerial Roundtable, attended by representatives from 89 countries as part of the forum's activities, ministers emphasized the need to develop comprehensive strategies for the mining sector, focusing on environmental and economic sustainability.
They also highlighted the importance of supporting both national and international expertise to boost production and technological capabilities. Additionally, the ministers agreed on the significance of sharing experiences and expertise to expedite development and innovation in this vital sector.
Highlighting the Kingdom's achievements in mining, the forum introduced the Exploration Enablement Program (EEP), responsible for over 440,000 meters of drilling and exploration of 50,000 km² of promising mineral areas. The launch of the mining innovation studio marked a strategic move toward establishing Riyadh as a global innovation hub in the minerals sector.
These initiatives are part of the Kingdom's broader efforts to invest in its diverse mining resources. The Kingdom aims to achieve sustainable development goals and economic diversification in alignment with Vision 2030. The Kingdom aspires to cement its status as a global hub for mining technology development and mineral discovery, which is foundational to future industries.
The forum provides an exceptional opportunity to spotlight the mining potential in the region stretching from Africa to West Asia. It will focus on creating innovative solutions to enhance the utilization of natural resources and foster partnerships between countries and international companies.
The forum's activities continue today, with expected announcements of initiatives and agreements poised to solidify the Kingdom's role as a strategic center in the international mining industry.
Earlier, it was reported that World Future Energy Summit 2025, hosted by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company – Masdar, opened on January 14 at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi as part of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW). The event is set to be a beacon for global collaboration, innovation, and action, with a roster of high-level ministerial and energy policymakers ready to outline their pathways to energy transition and circular economies.
