Saudi Mining Minister to Visit Chile, Lithium Expected on Agenda

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat photo
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat photo
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Saudi Mining Minister to Visit Chile, Lithium Expected on Agenda

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat photo
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat photo

Chile's government has said that Saudi Arabia's mining minister will travel to the Latin American country in July and plans to meet with his counterpart in Santiago.
Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef told Reuters in March the Kingdom was interested in sourcing lithium abroad, as it aims to enter the electric vehicle sector.
"He will indeed be in Chile (in July) and has asked for a meeting with the minister. But the date is not yet set," the ministry said in an email to Reuters.
A government source had told Reuters about the visit on Thursday, saying the two officials would discuss potential investments in lithium.
Chile is the world's second-largest producer of lithium, a key material for making the batteries that power electric vehicles.



Saudi Industry Minister Explores Latest Mining Technologies at MINExpo International 2024 Las Vegas

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef visits the MINExpo International 2024 Las Vegas. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef visits the MINExpo International 2024 Las Vegas. (SPA)
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Saudi Industry Minister Explores Latest Mining Technologies at MINExpo International 2024 Las Vegas

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef visits the MINExpo International 2024 Las Vegas. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef visits the MINExpo International 2024 Las Vegas. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef visited the MINExpo International 2024 Las Vegas, the largest mining exhibition in the world.

He reviewed the latest technologies in mining operations and discussed the most promising opportunities in the mining sector with participating global mining companies, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Friday.

He was accompanied by Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mining Affairs Eng. Khalid bin Saleh Al-Mudaifer.

Alkhorayef visited the Saudi pavilion during the tour of the exhibition that is organized by the National Mining Association (NMA). The exhibition features several prominent Saudi mining companies alongside the National Industrial Development Center.

Alkhorayef met with several leading global mining companies. He explored collaboration opportunities in the mining sector, highlighting the relative advantages of investing in mining in Saudi Arabia.

Since 1996, the MINExpo has been held every four years and attracts the leading mining companies from around the world. It showcases all mining operations' latest technologies and equipment, including safety equipment, drilling machinery, and mineral exploration machines.

The exhibition serves as a platform for exchanging experiences and the latest innovations in the mining sector, fostering effective partnerships between government and private institutions interested in mining.

Its events and exhibits cover all mining sectors, including precious metals, non-ferrous metals, ferrous metals, industrial minerals, stone and quarry mining, sand, gravel, and coal.

Alkhorayef is on an official trip to the US that aims to develop industrial and mining cooperation, strengthen bilateral ties with Saudi Arabia, and attract quality investments to the Kingdom. The visit also explores mutual investment opportunities in promising industrial sectors, particularly aviation and space.