Saudi Delegation Strengthens Mining Cooperation at Zambia Conference

A high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia participated in the Mining Beyond Copper conference held in Lusaka, Zambia, on October 13, 2024, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties in the mineral resources sector. The delegation, representing several Saudi government sectors, was led by Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mineral Resources Management Abdulrahman Al-Belushi. The conference was attended by President of the Republic of Zambia Hakainde Hichilema, who hosted the Saudi delegation at the presidential palace. The meeting was also attended by Saudi Ambassador to Zambia, Ali Al-Qahtani.

Context and Background

This participation builds on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to global mineral resource cooperation and economic diversification. The Mining Beyond Copper conference highlighted Zambia’s strategic role in copper and nickel production, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to develop its mining sector as a third pillar of industry. The event provided a platform for dialogue on modern mining practices and sustainable resource management.

Key Details

During the meeting, President Hichilema expressed gratitude to the Kingdom for supporting Zambia through development projects and initiatives. Deputy Minister Al-Belushi praised Zambia’s mining sector progress and the success of its first Mining Insaka Conference, while commending Zambia’s active participation in the ministerial meeting on the sidelines of the International Mining Conference in Riyadh. Al-Belushi emphasized that Saudi Arabia, through the Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden), is one of the world’s largest producers of phosphate-based agricultural fertilizers. On the sidelines, the delegation held meetings with Zambian officials and global companies, and visited the Trident Mine for copper and nickel, as well as processing and refining centers. They observed heavy equipment and technologies at the mine, one of Zambia’s largest, and attended a session on automation of mining sector licenses.

Implications and Impact

The delegation’s participation underscores Saudi Arabia’s expanding role in international mining collaborations, particularly in Africa. By engaging with Zambia, a key copper producer, the Kingdom strengthens its supply chain diversification for critical minerals essential for global energy transition. This aligns with Ma’aden’s international investments and supports stable mineral markets. The visit also highlights Saudi expertise in mining technology and automation, offering potential for joint ventures and knowledge exchange.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This engagement reflects Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambition to make mining the third pillar of the national industry, following oil and petrochemicals. The Kingdom’s proactive diplomacy and investment in resource-rich nations like Zambia enhance economic diversification, secure critical mineral supplies, and position Saudi Arabia as a global mining leader. The visit to Trident Mine exemplifies the transfer of advanced technologies, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s long-term strategy to build a sustainable, knowledge-based economy and expand its international partnerships.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the purpose of the Saudi delegation’s participation in the Mining Beyond Copper conference in Zambia?

A1. The purpose was to strengthen bilateral cooperation in mineral resources, explore investment opportunities, and share expertise in mining sector development, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification goals.

Q2. Who led the Saudi delegation to the conference?

A2. The delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mineral Resources Management Abdulrahman Al-Belushi, representing several Saudi government sectors.

Q3. Which Zambian official hosted the Saudi delegation?

A3. President of the Republic of Zambia Hakainde Hichilema hosted the Saudi delegation at the presidential palace in Lusaka.

Q4. What was the President of Zambia’s reaction to Saudi support?

A4. President Hichilema expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for supporting Zambia through development projects and various initiatives.

Q5. How does the Mining Beyond Copper conference relate to Saudi Arabia’s mining goals?

A5. The conference highlights global mineral resource cooperation, directly supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal to develop mining as the third pillar of the national industry.

Q6. Which Saudi company is a major global producer of phosphate fertilizers?

A6. The Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden) is one of the world’s largest producers of phosphate-based agricultural fertilizers.

Q7. What mine did the Saudi delegation visit in Zambia?

A7. The delegation visited the Trident Mine, one of the largest copper and nickel mines in Zambia, along with its processing and refining centers.

Q8. What technologies did the Saudi delegation observe at the Trident Mine?

A8. They observed heavy equipment and technologies utilized at the mine, focusing on modern mining operations and processing methods.

Q9. What session did the delegation attend regarding mining licenses?

A9. The delegation attended a session on the automation of mining sector licenses in Zambia.

Q10. How does this visit support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?

A10. It supports Vision 2030 by expanding the Kingdom’s mining partnerships and securing critical mineral supplies, diversifying the economy beyond oil.

Q11. What role does Ma’aden play in Saudi Arabia’s mining strategy?

A11. Ma’aden is the flagship mining company that drives the Kingdom’s ambition to become a global leader in mineral production and processing.

Q12. Why is Zambia important for Saudi Arabia’s mineral supply chain?

A12. Zambia is a significant copper and nickel producer, providing Saudi Arabia with access to critical minerals essential for global energy transition technologies.

Q13. What previous event connected Saudi Arabia and Zambia in the mining sector?

A13. Zambia actively participated in the ministerial meeting on the sidelines of the International Mining Conference in Riyadh.

Q14. How does the delegation’s visit enhance trade relations?

A14. The visit facilitates joint ventures and technology transfer, strengthening economic ties and opening new investment channels between both nations.

Q15. What did Deputy Minister Al-Belushi commend about Zambia’s mining sector?

A15. He praised the significant development and success of Zambia’s first Mining Insaka Conference and its active participation in Saudi-hosted events.

Q16. Where was the Mining Beyond Copper conference held?

A16. The conference was held in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia.

Q17. Who is the Saudi Ambassador to Zambia?

A17. The Saudi Ambassador to Zambia is Ali Al-Qahtani, who attended the meeting with President Hichilema.

A18. The visit focuses on knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and capacity building, benefiting Zambia’s mining sector modernization and automation efforts.

Q19. How does this collaboration contribute to global mining innovation?

A19. By sharing expertise in license automation and modern technologies, Saudi Arabia and Zambia can develop sustainable mining practices that benefit the global industry.

Q20. What long-term vision does Saudi Arabia have for its mining sector?

A20. Saudi Arabia aims to make mining the third pillar of the national industry after oil and petrochemicals, driving economic diversification and growth aligned with Vision 2030.

---