The third edition of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2024, held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, will kick off at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center (KAICC) in Riyadh on Wednesday.
With participation from over 80 countries and featuring more than 200 prominent speakers, the event aims to delve into the prospects of the mineral industry and devise solutions to the challenges it confronts.
The conference is also scheduled to host the third ministerial meeting of 45 ministers concerned with mining to boost cooperation on producing strategic minerals and lay the groundwork for sustainable industry development.
The meeting intends to emphasize the potential of this significant mining region, fostering its capabilities to become a pivotal driver of economic and social progress.
The conference will bring together 30 non-governmental organizations, 20 official international organizations, and 13 labor unions.
Critical minerals
The current edition of the conference is based on four main axes: developing a global critical mineral strategy, incorporating centers of excellence into regional strategies, establishing an international transparent standard for mineral supply, and creating green metal value chains by applying new technologies.
Top speakers at the event include several CEOs from major mining companies around the world, such as first-time participants in the conference, such as Glencore CEO Gary Nagle, Vale CEO Eduardo Bartolomeo, Codelco Chairman Maximo Pacheco, and the Global Head of Thematic and Sector Based Investing and Team Leader for the Natural Resources team at BlackRock Evy Hambro.
Renewable energy
Last December, Saudi Vice Minister for Mining Affairs Khalid al-Mudaifer held a press conference to review the details of the Future Minerals Forum.
Mudaifer revealed to Asharq Al-Awsat that substantial investments in the mining sector are needed to facilitate the transition to renewable energy and achieve carbon neutrality, highlighting the current inadequacy and unavailability of such investments.
According to Mudaifer, the conference has become the foremost global platform and gathering for the mining and mineral sector. He revealed that for the first time, a Geological Survey Leaders meeting will be held concurrently with the Roundtable.
The meeting aims to discuss vital issues related to enhancing capabilities and resources for these organizations to meet the growing global demand for minerals.
The Future Minerals Forum (FMF) is scheduled for January 10 and 11 and will feature more than 75 sessions with the active participation of over 200 speakers. It promises to be a pivotal moment in shaping the future of the minerals industry on a global scale.