Riyadh Hosts Mining Ministers from 85 Countries at Future Minerals Forum

Riyadh will host the fourth annual international ministerial meeting of mining ministers from over 85 countries on January 14, 2025, as part of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF), the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources announced. The gathering, which includes representatives from 16 G20 nations and at least 50 ministers, underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a global hub for dialogue on critical minerals and sustainable mining development.

Context and Background

The ministerial meeting, chaired by Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef, comes at a time of surging global demand for strategic and critical minerals essential for renewable energy, electric vehicles, and advanced technologies. With participants from over 85 countries, including 13 deputy ministers and over 50 international organizations, the event reflects a record level of international engagement. The Future Minerals Forum, now in its fourth year, has evolved into a key platform for shaping the future of the mining sector, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to diversify the economy and strengthen its industrial base.

Key Details

The meeting will review progress on three key initiatives from previous ministerial gatherings: developing a strategic framework for critical minerals, increasing value-added processing in mineral-producing countries, and producing green minerals using modern technologies and renewable energy. Discussions will also focus on ensuring sustainability and transparency in supply chains, alongside establishing centers of excellence in major mining regions to enable investment and build human capabilities. Minister Alkhorayef will deliver the opening speech, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable mineral development and global cooperation to address sector challenges. Notable attendees include Italian Minister for the Environment and Energy Security Dr. Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds, Brazilian Minister of Mines and Energy Alexandre Silveira, Indian Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, and others from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Nigeria, and Morocco.

Implications and Impact

Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mining Affairs Eng. Khalid bin Saleh Al-Mudaifer emphasized that the meeting represents a critical step toward sustainable development in the global mining sector. He noted that it provides an ideal platform for finding solutions and developing legislation on best practices in sustainable mining, while exploring investment opportunities to achieve economic and social development in producing countries. The discussions are expected to form a roadmap for the year, with working groups continuing to implement key initiatives, ensuring tangible results. This international collaboration is particularly significant as nations seek to secure supply chains for minerals vital to the green energy transition.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This high-level ministerial meeting directly supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by positioning the Kingdom as a central player in the global mining and minerals sector. By fostering partnerships, promoting sustainable practices, and driving innovation, Saudi Arabia aims to unlock the vast potential of its own mineral resources, including gold, phosphate, and bauxite, while contributing to global economic development. The event reinforces the Kingdom’s leadership in hosting world-class forums that catalyze investment and knowledge exchange, aligning with its long-term ambitions for economic diversification, industrial growth, and environmental stewardship.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the main purpose of the ministerial meeting in Riyadh?

A1. The meeting aims to discuss strategic issues in the global mining sector, including critical minerals, sustainable development, and supply chain transparency, while fostering international cooperation and investment.

Q2. How many countries are represented at the meeting?

A2. Representatives from over 85 countries are attending the meeting, including 16 from the Group of Twenty (G20), highlighting its unprecedented global participation.

Q3. Who is chairing the ministerial meeting?

A3. Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef is chairing the meeting and will deliver the opening speech emphasizing the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable mineral development.

Q4. What are the three key initiatives being reviewed at the meeting?

A4. The initiatives include developing a strategic framework for critical minerals, increasing value-added processing in producing countries, and producing green minerals using renewable energy and modern technologies.

Q5. Why are critical minerals important for the global economy?

A5. Critical minerals are essential for manufacturing renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles, electronics, and defense systems, making them vital for economic growth and the green energy transition.

Q6. Which G20 countries are participating in the meeting?

A6. Sixteen G20 countries are represented, including Brazil, India, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Saudi Arabia, among others, reflecting broad international engagement.

Q7. What is the role of the Future Minerals Forum in this meeting?

A7. The Future Minerals Forum serves as the host platform, bringing together global leaders to discuss mining challenges, opportunities, and innovations, with the ministerial meeting as a central component.

Q8. How does this meeting support sustainable mining practices?

A8. The meeting focuses on developing best practices, green mineral production, and supply chain transparency, promoting environmentally responsible and socially beneficial mining activities.

Q9. Who are some of the notable ministers attending the event?

A9. Notable attendees include ministers from Italy, the UK, Brazil, India, South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Nigeria, and Morocco, representing diverse mining regions.

Q10. What is the significance of the centers of excellence discussed at the meeting?

A10. Establishing centers of excellence in major mining regions will enable investment, build capabilities, and develop human resources, fostering long-term growth and innovation in the sector.

Q11. How does the meeting address supply chain transparency?

A11. The meeting includes discussions on ensuring sustainability and transparency in mineral supply chains, helping to reduce risks and build trust among producers, processors, and consumers globally.

Q12. What progress will be reviewed from the previous year’s ministerial initiatives?

A12. The review includes updates on implementing strategic frameworks for critical minerals, advancing green processing technologies, and expanding centers of excellence to drive tangible outcomes.

Q13. How does this meeting align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?

A13. The meeting supports Vision 2030 by positioning Saudi Arabia as a global mining hub, diversifying the economy, and promoting sustainable development through international partnerships and investment.

Q14. What is the expected outcome of the working groups formed at the meeting?

A14. The working groups will continue implementing key initiatives throughout the year, translating discussions into practical actions with measurable impact on the mining sector.

Q15. How many international organizations are participating in the meeting?

A15. Over 50 official and non-governmental international organizations, along with trade unions and industry leaders, are attending the event, underscoring its broad relevance.

Q16. What is the role of Vice Minister Khalid bin Saleh Al-Mudaifer in the meeting?

A16. Vice Minister Al-Mudaifer emphasized the meeting’s importance for sustainable development, highlighting its role as a platform for finding solutions and developing legislation for best practices in mining.

Q17. How does the meeting facilitate investment in mineral-producing countries?

A17. The meeting explores ways to invest in mining projects that achieve economic and social development in producing countries, balancing resource extraction with local benefits.

A18. The meeting addresses challenges by fostering global cooperation, sharing best practices, and leveraging modern technologies to ensure reliable and ethical mineral supply chains for the energy transition.

Q19. What is the expected impact of the meeting on the global mining industry?

A19. The meeting is expected to shape global mining policies, enhance collaboration, and create new opportunities for sustainable development, benefiting both producing and consuming nations.

Q20. How can the public follow updates from the ministerial meeting?

A20. Updates are typically released through the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, and the Future Minerals Forum official channels, offering transparent coverage of outcomes.

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