The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources today concluded the fourth edition of the International Mining Conference, held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, from January 14 to 16, at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh.
The conference, which saw record attendance of 18,000 participants from 165 countries, has become a leading global platform bringing together mining-sector leaders to discuss future challenges and opportunities, with a focus on innovation and sustainability.

Thanking Leadership and Advancing Vision 2030

In his closing remarks, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef thanked the wise leadership for its continued support of the mining sector, affirming that this support reflects the leadership's commitment to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by making mining the third pillar of Saudi industry.
He noted that the conference exceeded expectations, becoming an international platform of global interest that brings together partnerships and international cooperation to achieve sustainable development in the mining sector.

Notable Figures and Achievements

  • Number of participants: more than 18,000.
  • Participating countries: 165.
  • Dialogue sessions: 96 sessions with 405 speakers from ministers and experts.
  • Agreements signed: 126 agreements and memoranda of understanding worth SR 107 billion.

Key Outcomes of the Conference

  1. Major strategic projects:
    • The launch of a joint project between Aramco and Ma'aden to explore critical minerals needed for the energy transition.
    • Expansions at the Mansourah and Massarah mine and new discoveries in Wadi Al-Jaw and the Shayban deposits.
    • Hadeed's acquisition of Al-Rajhi Steel Industries with investments of SR 25 billion.
  2. Strengthening value chains:
    • Agreements signed to support exploration and mining and boost sustainability.
    • A focus on utilizing untapped resources in Africa and West and Central Asia.
  3. The accompanying international exhibition:
    • Participation from 170 exhibitors representing the mining sector's value chain.
    • National pavilions for 8 countries, including Australia, Sweden, India and the United Kingdom.
    • Showcasing the latest technological innovations in the Technology Zone and Exploration Zone.

Key Discussions

  • Boosting investment in mining-sector infrastructure.
  • Developing flexible, sustainable supply chains.
  • The role of artificial intelligence in supporting future decisions in mining.
  • Enabling local communities to benefit economically and socially from the sector.

Closing Recommendations

Minister Alkhorayef stressed the importance of continuing to work in a spirit of partnership and cooperation to achieve sustainable development in the mining sector, noting that the conference's outcomes will serve as a launchpad for a new phase of growth in the sector, locally and internationally, to keep pace with the growing global demand for critical minerals.