Saudi Arabia is set to host the fourth edition of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) from January 14 to 16, 2025, under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman. The event, themed “Achieving Impact,” will be organized by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and will take place at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh. The forum aims to enhance cooperation between mineral-producing countries, promote sustainability initiatives, and create a resilient supply chain for the vital minerals the world needs. Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef highlighted the Saudi leadership’s support for the conference, emphasizing the importance of pushing forward the development of the mining and mineral industries sector on a global scale.
The FMF conference will serve as a global platform for all stakeholders in the minerals sector, including governments, mining companies, financial institutions, research centers, and academic institutions. It will focus on creating and stimulating investment opportunities in the sector, as well as facilitating discussions on the challenges facing the mining and minerals sector. The upcoming ministerial round table is expected to include participation from 100 countries, with working groups comprising government bodies and 40 organizations collaborating to implement initiatives and strategies formulated during past ministerial round table discussions. The Ministry of Industry has identified key topics to be addressed during the conference, such as reviewing the potential of new mining areas, attracting investments in the mining and processing sectors, and examining the role of the minerals sector in community development and securing clean energy sources for advanced technology.
In the previous edition of the FMF held in January 2024, over 14,000 investment leaders, heads of major mining companies, technical experts, and specialists from 133 countries participated, along with 100 sponsors and exhibitors. The conference featured 250 speakers, including ministers, ambassadors, and heads of delegations, engaging in approximately 70 sessions to discuss the latest developments and challenges in the mining and minerals sector. During the event, new estimates of Saudi Arabia’s untapped mineral potential were announced, increasing from SR 5 trillion to SR 9.3 trillion, representing a 90 percent growth. Additionally, 75 agreements were signed with a total value exceeding SR 75 billion in various fields such as mining exploration, financing, technology, sustainability standards, and investment in supply chains.
The FMF aims to build trust and promote sustainability initiatives that will benefit mineral-producing countries worldwide. By focusing on creating a resilient supply chain for vital minerals and stimulating investment opportunities in the sector, the forum aims to support the growth and development of the mining and mineral industries on a global scale. The ministerial round table, with participation from a diverse range of countries and organizations, will play a crucial role in implementing initiatives and strategies aimed at addressing the challenges faced by the mining and minerals sector. Through discussions on topics such as new mining areas, investment attraction, community development, and clean energy sources, the forum will provide a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas and collaborate on solutions to common challenges.
The leadership of Saudi Arabia has shown great interest in supporting the Future Minerals Forum, demonstrating a commitment to advancing the development of the global mining and mineral industries sector. With the upcoming conference set to bring together key stakeholders from around the world, including government bodies, mining companies, financial institutions, and research centers, the forum presents an opportunity to address critical issues facing the industry. By fostering cooperation and dialogue among participants, the FMF aims to drive innovation, investment, and sustainable practices in the minerals sector, ultimately contributing to the growth and prosperity of the industry globally.
