Saudi Arabia gears up for debut

Over 2,000 decision-makers from more than 100 countries and 150-plus top global investors, as well as some 100 international speakers will take part in the first-ever Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh. The global event, taking place from January 11 to 13, 2022 at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Centre in Riyadh, features an extensive repertoire of subjects, opportunities and challenges confronting the world’s mining industry.
Saudi ministers and representatives of the regional and international mining industry and allied sectors will join and thought leaders at the Forum. The invitation-only, closed-door Ministerial Mining Roundtable Special Session will headline the Forum’s programme on January 11. The session will feature presentations and discussions on topics that are critical to the future of the mining industry.
The “Mining in a Day” workshop will be held in tandem, alongside other workshops and panel discussions that will turn the spotlight on weighty issues, including the attraction of investments, the role of technology in mining, and environment, social and governance (ESG) issues.
The General Forum will begin on January 12 with a plenary session and a keynote address by Bandar Bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources. The session on Reimagining Mining and Maximising its Contribution to Society will commence the day’s programme schedule. It will be followed by a Smart-Mining session, “Showcasing Technology & Innovation—Supporting Mining of the Future.” Two additional sessions – Highlighting Mining’s Critical Role in a Low-Carbon Economy and Supporting the Region’s Growth and Development and Country Briefings – will complement exhibition and networking opportunities.
Saudi Arabia holds an estimated $1.3 trillion worth of untapped mineral deposits — led by phosphate, gold and copper — according to the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program.