RIYADH — Saudi Arabia will host the fourth edition of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) from January 14 to 16, 2025, at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The forum, convened by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, serves as a unique government-led platform designed to place minerals at the top of the global agenda as key to development, global prosperity, and the energy transition.
Context and Background
Since its launch in 2022, the FMF has evolved into a premier global forum for decision-makers from governments, mining companies, financial institutions, service providers, research centers, and academic institutions. The 2025 edition builds on past successes by focusing on the theme “Delivering Impact,” aiming to drive tangible outcomes in investment, sustainability, and supply chain resilience in the critical minerals sector.
Key Details
The forum will commence on January 14 with a government-led Ministerial Roundtable, expected to engage participation from 100 countries, along with working groups involving 40 organizations, including international bodies, NGOs, and trade associations. The conference and exhibition will follow on January 15-16, featuring expert speakers addressing critical topics such as downstream perspectives, regional insights from the Super Region spanning Africa, Western and Central Asia, and Latin America, and the role of green technology and AI in mining. Notable confirmed speakers include Tom Palmer, CEO of Newmont Corporation; Jonathan Price, President and CEO of Teck Resources; Dominic Barton, Chairman of Rio Tinto; and Bob Wilt, CEO of Maaden, among other industry leaders.
Implications and Impact
The FMF has already made significant strides, with the 2023 edition attracting over 14,000 participants from 133 countries and facilitating the signing of 75 minerals deals worth approximately SAR75 billion. The 2025 forum aims to further these achievements by focusing on delivering investment partnerships across the entire mineral value chain, promoting responsible production, and creating centers of excellence in supplier regions. This aligns with global efforts to secure resilient supply chains for critical minerals essential for the energy transition.
Vision 2030 Alignment
Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef emphasized that FMF is central to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of diversifying the economy and positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for mining and minerals. By fostering collaboration among producing nations and driving sustainable development, the forum supports the Kingdom’s long-term vision of creating a resilient, transparent, and innovative mineral sector that contributes to global prosperity.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the Future Minerals Forum?
A1. The Future Minerals Forum is a global platform convened by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, focused on driving action on critical minerals for development and energy transition.
Q2. When will the fourth edition of FMF take place?
A2. The fourth edition will be held from January 14 to 16, 2025, at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh.
Q3. Who is the patron of the 2025 FMF?
A3. The forum is under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Q4. What is the theme for FMF 2025?
A4. The theme for FMF 2025 is “Delivering Impact,” emphasizing tangible outcomes in investment, sustainability, and supply chain resilience.
Q5. Who convenes the Future Minerals Forum?
A5. The forum is convened by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources of Saudi Arabia.
Q6. How many countries are expected to participate in the Ministerial Roundtable?
A6. The Ministerial Roundtable will engage participation from 100 countries.
Q7. How many organizations are involved in the working groups?
A7. The working groups include 40 organizations, such as international bodies, NGOs, and trade associations.
Q8. What is the Super Region in the context of FMF?
A8. The Super Region spans Africa, Western and Central Asia, and Latin America, representing key supplier regions in the minerals sector.
Q9. Which major mining companies have confirmed speakers for FMF 2025?
A9. Confirmed speakers include CEOs from Newmont, Teck Resources, Rio Tinto, Vale Base Metals, Ivanhoe Mines, Maaden, Trafigura, and Anglo American.
Q10. What was the outcome of the 2023 FMF in terms of deals?
A10. The 2023 FMF saw the signing of 75 minerals deals worth approximately SAR75 billion.
Q11. How many participants attended the third edition of FMF?
A11. The third edition attracted over 14,000 participants from 133 countries.
Q12. What is the focus of the Ministerial Roundtable?
A12. The Ministerial Roundtable focuses on driving collaboration and implementing initiatives for sustainable development and innovation in the global mineral sector.
Q13. What topics will be discussed at the conference?
A13. Topics include critical minerals, downstream perspectives, investment partnerships, green technology, AI, and country showcases.
Q14. How does FMF support Vision 2030?
A14. FMF supports Vision 2030 by diversifying Saudi Arabia’s economy and positioning it as a global hub for mining and minerals.
Q15. Who is Bandar Alkhorayef?
A15. Bandar Alkhorayef is the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources of Saudi Arabia.
Q16. What initiatives were launched at the 2023 Ministerial Roundtable?
A16. Initiatives include a regional critical minerals framework, green metals hubs, responsible production frameworks, and centers of excellence in the Super Region.
Q17. Why is FMF important for the global mineral sector?
A17. FMF fosters collaboration among nations, promotes sustainability, and creates resilient supply chains for critical minerals needed for the energy transition.
Q18. How has FMF evolved since 2022?
A18. Since 2022, FMF has grown to include a broader range of stakeholders, increased participation, and launched concrete initiatives for sustainable minerals development.
Q19. What is the role of Saudi Arabia in hosting FMF?
A19. Saudi Arabia hosts FMF to lead global dialogue on minerals, drive investment, and showcase its commitment to Vision 2030 economic diversification.
Q20. How can one register for FMF 2025?
A20. Registration and more information are available at the official FMF website: https://www.futuremineralsforum.com.
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