#Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #G20 #Critical Minerals #Future Minerals Forum

Fourth Future Minerals Forum: A New Era for Critical Minerals

The Fourth Future Minerals Forum commenced on January 14, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking a significant gathering of representatives from 90 countries, including 16 nations from the G20. This forum is dedicated to international collaboration and the sustainable production of critical minerals, which play an essential role in the global energy transition.

Objectives and Themes of the Forum

This ministerial roundtable aims to foster discussions surrounding the strategies and frameworks for the responsible mining of these minerals. Governments and organizations are encouraged to work together to optimize the mineral potential within the broader regions of Africa, Western Asia, and Central Asia. By enhancing cooperation, it is anticipated that these regions can play a pivotal role in meeting the growing demand for critical minerals.

Key Focus Areas:

• - Strategic Framework: Development of a collaborative approach aimed at harnessing regional mineral capabilities.
• - Sustainability: Emphasis on responsible sourcing priorities that consider local realities and amplify transparency through supply chain certification.
• - Centres of Excellence: Establishing a network that stimulates investment, enhances human capital, and accelerates technological innovation across the super region.

The expanded agenda of the FMF reflects its ambition, introducing new segments such as “Major Debates” to underscore a commitment to impactful initiatives this year. Notably, the forum has been extended to three days to accommodate a broader range of discussions and workshops.

Collaborations and Meetings

Inaugural Meeting of Centres of Excellence

The inaugural gathering for Centres of Excellence and Technology will bring together industry representatives, academia, and technology experts to create a regional hub for capacity building and innovation. This meeting represents the forum's commitment to driving progress in the mining sector through collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

International Geological Survey Leaders Meeting

Following this, a second assembly of international geological survey leaders will convene alongside geological study organizations from Africa, Asia, and key global institutions such as the U.S. Geological Survey and British Geological Survey. The discussions will center on enhancing geological surveys, facilitating increased exploration, and boosting investment in the super region.

Women in Mining Initiative

An exciting highlight of the FMF 2025 is the focus on empowering women in the mining sector. The Women in Mining initiative aims to promote gender equality and attract more Saudi women into the traditionally male-dominated industry. Notably, Rana Abdullah Zumai, the head of this initiative, emphasized the commitment to expanding opportunities for women by dismantling stereotypes and fostering an inclusive mining ecosystem.

The FMF is a promising platform for enhancing international partnerships and ensuring that the mining industry evolves into a more sustainable and equitable space. In summation, the Fourth Future Minerals Forum represents a pivotal step towards redefining the mining sector’s landscape while ensuring that it contributes significantly to the energy transition and broader economic growth within the participating regions.