Inauguration of the First Ever Bootcamp for Future Minerals Pioneers in Saudi Arabia

Inauguration of the First Edition of the Future Minerals Pioneers Bootcamp

On January 8, 2026, a notable event took place in Riyadh under the sponsorship of His Excellency Bandar bin Ibrahim AlKhorayef, the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources. The first edition of the Future Minerals Pioneers Bootcamp was officially inaugurated by His Excellency Eng. Khalid bin Saleh Al-Mudaifer, the Deputy Minister for Mining Affairs. This event marks an important milestone in fostering innovation in the minerals sector.

The bootcamp has attracted a significant number of participants, with 356 qualified individuals representing 32 countries across the globe. This impressive turnout came from a total of 1,812 applicants, highlighting the international interest and reach of the competition. Notably, 68% of the participants are from Saudi Arabia, reflecting the Kingdom's pivotal role in the mining industry, while the remaining 32% represent global talent.

The bootcamp is set to run from January 8 to January 10, 2026, and serves as the final preparatory phase before the announcement of winners at the Future Minerals Forum on January 14, 2026. This forum is expected to further bolster Saudi Arabia's position as a key player in global mineral development.

During his visits, His Excellency Eng. Khalid bin Saleh Al-Mudaifer reviewed the innovative prototypes developed by participating teams. He engaged in discussions surrounding project presentations and operational mechanisms of the workshop. His participation also included oversight of interactive workshops and mentorship sessions aimed at enhancing participants' skills.

Competitors are tackling three core areas, each addressing two strategic challenges. The areas include the Smart Technologies sector, focused on innovative compliance solutions within mining operations and enhancing exploration processes; the Safety sector, dedicated to proactive solutions that mitigate risks and improve worker health and safety; and the Sustainability of Resources sector, which deals with challenges related to circular mining and optimizing water efficiency in mining operations.

The Future Minerals Pioneers Bootcamp has received substantial support from key partners and supporters, notably the Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma'aden) as the main partner, along with the Saudi Mining Services Company (ESNAD) leading the national phase of the competition. Various national and international entities have played critical roles in designing the challenges, providing mentorship, adjudication, and training for the participating teams.

Additionally, a distinguished panel of local and international experts, alongside judges representing over 16 public and private entities, adds a rich layer of knowledge and evaluation depth to the competition. The bootcamp's agenda encompasses a series of awareness workshops and mentorship sessions focused on developing real-world solutions tailored to the mining sector’s challenges.

Ultimately, the Future Minerals Pioneers Bootcamp encapsulates the culmination of a global competition aimed at fostering innovation. This bootcamp not only allows participants to collaborate with experts and partners but also facilitates the critical learning necessary for addressing the immediate needs of the minerals sector.

Over the past four years, the Future Minerals Forum has established itself as a vital platform for tackling the most pressing issues facing the mining industry. It aims to promote investment and advance responsible mineral supply chains, thus reinforcing the Kingdom's growing influence in defining the future landscape of global minerals.