#Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #Future Minerals Forum #Mineral Supply

Future Minerals Forum 2027: A Global Stage for Mining Innovations

Riyadh will play host to the upcoming Future Minerals Forum (FMF) from January 12 to 14, 2027. Under the esteemed patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, this edition of the FMF revolves around the significant theme “Global Collaboration for Resilient Mineral Supply.” The forum aims to strategically address the pressing challenges in the global mineral supply chain by bringing together stakeholders from across the world.

Last year's FMF saw an impressive turnout, with representatives from 91 countries, over 64 governmental and non-governmental organizations, and 21,500 participants hailing from 175 nations. It resulted in the signing of 132 agreements valued at more than $26.7 billion (100 billion Saudi riyals). Cumulatively, the five FMF editions have facilitated 398 agreements worth a staggering $75.2 billion (282 billion Saudi riyals), solidifying its reputation as a leading platform in the mining industry.

The upcoming FMF 2027 will place a strong emphasis on mobilizing financing, accelerating project development, and reducing production timelines to enhance mineral output significantly. Additionally, it aims to create robust value chains within Saudi Arabia and emerging supplier regions, including a Super-region that encompasses parts of Africa, Central and Western Asia, and Latin America.

A highlight of this year's forum will be the Ministerial Roundtable, orchestrated by public authorities. This assembly will gather governmental representatives, private sector leaders, multilateral organizations, and financing institutions, sparking dialogues toward creating innovative solutions for the sector.

The expanded program activities under “Gateway to Funding” will connect investors to scalable projects, while sessions, such as “State of the Sector,” will present in-depth market analyses and the latest on raw materials. These discussions intend to cultivate knowledge sharing and leadership on bolstering supply chains in the mineral sector.

In its evolution, the FMF has substantially shifted the narrative around the future of mining in Saudi Arabia from aspirations to concrete partnerships, investments, and projects. This initiative aligns with the Kingdom's strategic vision for its mining and mineral industries, which has seen exploration spending surge from $54.7 million (205 million Saudi riyals) in 2020 to nearly $362.7 million (1.36 billion Saudi riyals) by 2025. Furthermore, the number of active exploration firms has jumped from six to 191, reflecting a burgeoning sector.

His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Minister of Energy and Industry and Mineral Resources, recently highlighted promising studies from the Jabal Sayid project, identifying estimated resources of 114 million tons of ore with high concentrations of rare earth elements, particularly heavy rare earth elements, in the Medina region. This breakthrough underlines the FMF's crucial role in realizing the overarching goals for the mining industry in the country.

FMF 2027 will also serve as a global call for diversification in mineral supply, capacity building in mining, and the establishment of a more resilient mining ecosystem. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this global congregation. For registration and further information, please visit futuremineralsforum.com.

Contact: Mustafa Al Refaie, [email protected], +966 55 725 1006