Future Minerals Forum 2025: $28.5 Billion Marks a New Era for Saudi Arabia Mining Industry
The Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2025, hosted in Riyadh from January 14-16, positioned Saudi Arabia as a global mining powerhouse, securing 126 agreements worth $28.5 billion. These Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and investment deals reflect Saudi Arabia’s strategic push toward mining excellence, spanning exploration, sustainability, and technological innovation.
With a balanced approach to domestic and international collaboration, 51% of agreements were signed with local companies, while 49% involved global partners. Key local entities such as Aramco, Ma’aden, and MODON led the charge, alongside international industry giants like Alibaba, Vale International SA, and Star Vision Aerospace.
$28.5 Billion Investment Unlocks Saudi Arabia’s Mineral Potential
FMF 2025 shattered previous records, reflecting the Kingdom’s long-term strategy to expand the Saudi Arabia mining industry and reduce reliance on hydrocarbons. The event catalyzed investment in critical minerals exploration, financing, research and development, and advanced geological surveys.
Among the standout agreements:
- Vale International SA joined forces with RCJY to develop an iron ore briquette plant at Ras Al-Khair.
- Vedanta Copper International signed an MoU with RCJY to establish a copper smelter and refinery.
- Mekyal Financial Technologies collaborated with Marine Mining Company to fund deep-sea exploration ventures.
- Al Watania For Industries partnered with Shanghai Donghexin New Material Group Co., Ltd to enhance high-quality tinplate production.
These deals reflect Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a leading hub for sustainable mining, reinforcing its position in global mineral supply chains.
Industry Titans and Policy Leaders Set the Mining Agenda
The FMF Ministerial Roundtable, a cornerstone of the event, gathered over 100 government representatives and 50 international organizations to address challenges in mining supply chains. Industry decision-makers, including CEOs from 11 of the world’s top 20 mining companies, participated in strategic discussions on investment, infrastructure, and mineral processing hub creation. Key attendees included:
- Dominic Barton (Rio Tinto), Mark Bristow (Barrick Gold), and Bob Wilt (Ma’aden) among others, representing leadership from mining’s biggest players.
- Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Minister of Finance, and Minister of Investment, reinforcing national economic goals tied to mineral exploration.
With over 20,000 attendees, FMF 2025 provided an unmatched platform to shape global mining strategies while securing Saudi Arabia’s role in the future of sustainable mineral development.
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Technological Innovation and Sustainability Drive Saudi Arabia Mining Industry Forward
Saudi Arabia is leveraging cutting-edge digital technologies and artificial intelligence to optimize its mining operations. The International Geological Surveys Meeting, now in its second year, convened the largest-ever gathering of geological survey CEOs, including experts from the US Geological Survey, British Geological Survey, and BRGM of France.
This collaboration aims to:
- Enhance geological mapping and mineral exploration efficiency through AI-driven analysis.
- Make geological survey data widely accessible to investors to spur exploration activity.
- Create a regional center of excellence dedicated to innovation and skills development.
Meanwhile, FMF 2025 introduced the inaugural Centers of Excellence and Technology meeting, assembling top researchers and innovators to drive advancements in mineral processing, sustainability, and workforce development.
Saudi Arabia’s Mining Growth Reinforced by FMF 2025’s Expansive Agenda
FMF 2025 wasn’t just about mining agreements—it focused on knowledge-sharing and leadership development to prepare Saudi Arabia for the future of critical minerals and green technologies.
- The Knowledge Exchange hosted interactive sessions on mineral intelligence, sustainable mining frameworks, and talent development.
- The Leadership Roundtables provided space for high-level discussions, featuring regional leadership talks on Africa, Latin America, and Central Asia, emphasizing trade and investment opportunities.
This multi-layered approach ensures Saudi Arabia’s mining sector remains a global leader in exploration, responsible resource development, and sustainability initiatives.
Also Read: Saudi Mining Sector Fast-Tracks $75B Expansion Plan
