Saudi Arabia Positions Mining as a Strategic Growth Engine at Fifth Future Minerals Forum

SPA

Riyadh, January 14, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) - Under the patronage and on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Arabia formally opened the fifth edition of the Future Minerals Forum, underscoring the Kingdom’s intent to place mining at the core of its long-term economic and industrial strategy.

The forum convened more than 20,000 participants and nearly 400 speakers, bringing together government leaders, executives from major international mining companies, financial institutions, academic bodies, and multilateral organizations. The scale of attendance reflects the forum’s evolution into a high-level platform focused on policy alignment, capital mobilization, and cross-border cooperation across the mineral value chain.

Opening the forum, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef said the event has moved beyond dialogue to become a venue where strategic decisions are shaped and investment frameworks are advanced. This year’s theme, “Minerals for a New Era of Development,” reflects the growing recognition of minerals as a foundational input for energy transition technologies, artificial intelligence infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing.

According to Alkhorayef, securing mineral supply chains in a responsible and sustainable manner is now a prerequisite for global economic transformation. He described the fifth edition as a turning point, with the forum increasingly focused on implementation, partnerships, and measurable outcomes rather than policy discussion alone.

That shift was reflected in the outcomes of the fifth international ministerial meeting held alongside the forum, which brought together representatives from more than 100 countries and 59 international organizations. The discussions resulted in concrete initiatives, including the establishment of centers of excellence, the strengthening of responsible mining standards, and closer alignment with the World Bank Group’s new minerals strategy.

Saudi Arabia’s domestic mining agenda featured prominently. Alkhorayef reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening the resilience of global mineral supplies as part of Saudi Vision 2030, positioning mining as a key driver of economic diversification and job creation. He noted that more than 33,000 square kilometers have been allocated for exploration and mining licenses through competitive bidding rounds open to local and international companies.

The most recent licensing round alone awarded 172 mining sites to 24 companies, marking the largest round to date. At the same time, the Kingdom has completed full geophysical and geochemical surveys of the Arabian Shield, significantly reducing geological risk for investors. Exploration spending has increased more than fivefold since 2020, reaching SAR 1.052 billion in 2024, compared with SAR 1 million four years earlier.

Saudi Arabia estimates the value of its mineral resources at approximately SAR 9.4 trillion and plans to accelerate development by offering new exploration opportunities in 2026 and 2027. To support project execution, the minister announced the launch of a mining infrastructure empowerment initiative in collaboration with Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones. The first project involves a 75-kilometer treated water pipeline to support mining development in the Jabal Sayid area.

The forum also coincided with the announcement of two new specialized investment funds targeting opportunities across the mineral value chain. The initiatives are designed to support both large-scale mining projects and medium-sized ventures, signaling growing investor confidence and increased sector maturity.

In parallel, national research and development institutions are entering strategic agreements with international partners to advance innovation in exploration, processing, and digitalization. These efforts aim to improve operational efficiency, accelerate technology adoption, and strengthen the competitiveness of Saudi Arabia’s mining sector on a global scale.