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

Future Minerals Forum Unveils a Groundbreaking Program

The Future Minerals Forum (FMF), supported by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, has officially announced its full program for the upcoming fifth and most significant edition, aptly themed "Dawn of a Global Cause." Scheduled to take place in Riyadh from January 13 to 15, 2026, the forum aims to gather over 500 influential voices from government, multilaterals, and academia, all focused on shaping the future landscape of the minerals sector.

A Platform for Responsible Development

At the heart of FMF 2026 lies a profound ambition: to advance responsible mineral development while fostering new economic opportunities for supplier and consumer nations alike. The program combines high-level discussions on key policies with practical investment sessions, promising to catalyze progress in the global minerals ecosystem.

Key Highlights of the Program

The agenda for FMF 2026 is particularly noteworthy, featuring several innovative components:

• - Ministerial Roundtable: This is the fifth edition of the world's largest Ministerial Roundtable on minerals. It will see participation from over 100 government representatives and more than 70 international organizations, alongside top executives from leading mining companies.
• - State of the Sector: In collaboration with McKinsey, this session will present the inaugural Future Minerals Barometer Report, which will provide insights into sector trends, leadership sentiment, and the overall reputation of the industry.
• - Mineral Investment Journey: For the first time, dedicated and closed-door sessions will be available for both new and existing investors, aiming to facilitate dialogue and partnerships.
• - Gateway to Funding: This initiative, set up in partnership with BMO, aims to link institutional investors and family businesses to mining companies worldwide that are in search of growth capital.
• - MinGen Workshops: These dynamic workshops will particularly focus on young professionals and women in mining, giving an opportunity for leadership networking.

Engaging Sessions and Thought Leadership

The first day of FMF 2026 will commence with an International Exhibition paired with Knowledge Exchange sessions. Industry leaders will share insights into the global mineral supply outlook, sparking discussions that pave the way for innovative solutions.

Days two and three will be dominated by Leadership Roundtables. Regional Leadership Roundtables focusing on Africa, Latin America, and Central Asia will spotlight the potential for trade and investment from emerging supplier regions.

A stellar lineup of global luminaries has already committed to speaking at the event, including:

• - Dominic Barton, Chairman of Rio Tinto
• - Bob Wilt, CEO of Maaden
• - Gustavo Pimenta, CEO of Vale
• - Catherine Raw, Chief Development Officer of BHP

A Hub for Dialogue and Innovation

FMF 2026 is not just an event; it is a movement that further endorses Riyadh's role as a central hub for global mineral discussions, innovative investments, and the formulation of sustainable practices for the future.

As stated by Ali Al-Mutairi, FMF Executive Director, "This dynamic and impact-driven platform is one of the key reasons why governments and CEOs consistently return to FMF."

With its engaging activities, high-profile discussions, and commitment to fostering economic growth, FMF 2026 promises to be a transformative event for the mineral sector, reaffirming the essential roles of collaboration and innovation in crafting a sustainable minerals future.