#Global Cooperation #Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #Future Minerals Forum #mineral development

The Breakthrough of the 5th FMF Ministerial Roundtable

The 5th Ministerial Roundtable, part of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF), wrapped up in Riyadh, marking a pivotal moment in the global dialogue surrounding mineral development. This event hosted ministers from over 100 governments and 59 international organizations, underscoring a growing commitment to cultivate responsible mineral supply chains.

During his keynote address, His Excellency Bandar Alkhorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, emphasized that this gathering represents a crucial juncture for global mineral governance. He noted the impressive evolution since the FMF's inception in 2022, where participation has surged from 32 governments to a diverse assembly of ministers and senior representatives from across the globe. The expansive involvement, including all G20 member nations, reflects an increasing acknowledgment of the need for a unified approach to mineral supply—a shared global responsibility demanding coordinated and inclusive solutions.

In a strategic move to enhance these discussions, the Minister announced the formation of a permanent ministerial steering committee. This new body is tasked with providing strategic guidance to the Ministerial Roundtable and the FMF, monitoring the implementation of existing initiatives, and proposing new areas for collaboration. The committee aims to ensure balanced geographical representation among its members, initially drawing from 19 countries to establish continuity and accountability in its operations.

Khalid Al-Mudaifer, Deputy Minister for Mining Affairs, presented developments made in three critical initiatives launched in 2025. The first was the creation of the Future Minerals Framework, which aims to scale infrastructure financing and improve alignment of necessary governmental actions. The World Bank Group has been empowered to explore funding strategies across seven priority infrastructure corridors located in Africa and Latin America.

The second initiative focuses on creating a robust standard for responsible mining, enhancing transparency through traceability measures, while the third aims to establish a network of competence centers throughout Africa, West and Central Asia, and Latin America. These centers will work on building technical, institutional, and human capabilities to bolster local mining industries.

Further, Valerie Levkoff, Vice President of Infrastructure at the World Bank Group, unveiled a new minerals strategy designed to support supplying countries by fostering regional processing and manufacturing, ultimately generating local value and employment opportunities.

As the FMF continues to foster dialogue on responsible resource management, the outcomes from the 5th Ministerial Roundtable lay the foundation for a transformative approach to the mineral sector, emphasizing sustainability and collaboration. This event not only marks a critical step for the FMF but also serves as a testament to the collaborative spirit vital for addressing pressing global mineral challenges.

Looking ahead, the emphasis on cooperation and shared responsibility will be key as nations engage in ongoing efforts to navigate the complex landscape of mineral development. The future of the industry rests on commitments made today, with a clear path set towards a more sustainable and equitable mineral economy.

In conclusion, the FMF's initiatives and the newly formed steering committee reflect an encouraging trend toward enhanced global cooperation, where the sustainable development of mineral resources will play a pivotal role in shaping the economic prospects of many nations and ensuring a resilient supply chain for future generations.