The upcoming fourth edition of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is set to make waves in the mining sector, with expectations of agreements totaling billions. Scheduled for January 14-16, this event is not just another conference; it’s a powerful gathering aimed at fostering collaboration and investment across the minerals landscape. With the theme ‘The Year of Impact’, the FMF is positioned to reinforce its status as a global hub for mining innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.
Ali Al-Mutairi, the executive director of FMF, has stated that the forum is on track to fulfill its mission of creating a platform where businesses and investors can forge meaningful collaborations. The agreements anticipated to be signed during the conference span critical areas such as exploration, mining, financing, and research and development. These initiatives are expected to create new job opportunities, strengthen value chains, and drive innovation, all while ensuring long-term sustainability in the sector.
Saudi Arabia is making a clear statement: the mineral sector is a cornerstone of its sustainable economic growth strategy. The FMF is expected to draw an impressive crowd, including 85 government representatives, 40 international organizations, and 250 speakers and delegates from over 170 countries. Notably, 16 countries from the G20 economies will be represented, with 50 ministers and 13 vice-ministers confirmed for the 2025 FMF Ministerial Roundtable. This gathering promises to be the largest assembly of mineral resources officials globally, setting the stage for impactful discussions.
The Ministerial Roundtable traditionally kicks off the FMF, serving as a multi-stakeholder initiative aimed at catalyzing international investment in mineral supply chains. This year’s focus will be on three key initiatives that emerged from last year’s discussions: the development of an International Critical Minerals Framework, the establishment of Centres of Excellence for sustainability, talent development, and technology innovation, and advancements in certification systems to ensure responsible sourcing of minerals. These discussions are not just academic; they’re about laying down the groundwork for a more resilient and sustainable future in mining.
Khalid Al-Mudaifer, vice-minister of Mining Affairs at the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, emphasized the significance of the meeting as a crucial step toward achieving sustainable development in the global minerals sector. He described the FMF as an ideal platform for delivering solutions and developing best practices in sustainable mining, while also exploring investment opportunities that can lead to economic and social development in producing countries.
As the world grapples with the urgent need for a transition to cleaner energy sources, the FMF is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of critical minerals. By promoting a resilient supply chain and enhancing international cooperation, this forum could very well set the tone for how the mining industry adapts to the challenges and opportunities ahead. The implications of the agreements made and the partnerships forged during this event could resonate well beyond the borders of Saudi Arabia, influencing global mining practices and policies for years to come.
