Fourth Future Minerals Forum Starts in Riyadh

The fourth edition of the forum, held between January 14 and 16 - SPA
The fourth edition of the forum, held between January 14 and 16 - SPA
TT

Fourth Future Minerals Forum Starts in Riyadh

The fourth edition of the forum, held between January 14 and 16 - SPA
The fourth edition of the forum, held between January 14 and 16 - SPA

Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the fourth edition of the Future Minerals Forum kicked off in Riyadh. The event features representatives from over 90 countries, including 16 G20 nations, 50 international governmental and non-governmental organizations, commodity trade associations, and leading figures in the global mining industry.
The forum began with the Fourth Ministerial Roundtable meeting, which aims to bolster international collaboration in producing the critical minerals essential for the global energy transition. It provides a platform for ministers and senior officials to discuss sustainable development strategies for the mining sector, focusing on positioning mining as a catalyst for economic growth and social progress, SPA reported.
The government officials met to lead global action on minerals around three key initiatives: Strategic Framework for Critical Minerals, which aims to develop a collaborative framework in the Super Region of Africa, West, and Central Asia to harness the region's mineral potential fully; Sustainability, aimed at the development of responsible supply priorities that reflect local realities in supplier countries and enhance transparency through supply chain certification; and Centers of Excellence, establishing a network to drive investments, develop human capital, and accelerate technological innovation within the Super Region and supplier countries.
The fourth edition of the forum, held between January 14 and 16, features 250 speakers, including CEOs of leading mining and mineral-related companies and financial institutions. Around 15,000 participants are expected to attend its sessions.



UK's Princess Kate Visits Hospital Where She Had Cancer Treatment

 Catherine, Princess of Wales talks with Katherine Field as she visits The Royal Marsden Hospital on January 14, 2025 in London, Britain. Chris Jackson/Pool via REUTERS
Catherine, Princess of Wales talks with Katherine Field as she visits The Royal Marsden Hospital on January 14, 2025 in London, Britain. Chris Jackson/Pool via REUTERS
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UK's Princess Kate Visits Hospital Where She Had Cancer Treatment

 Catherine, Princess of Wales talks with Katherine Field as she visits The Royal Marsden Hospital on January 14, 2025 in London, Britain. Chris Jackson/Pool via REUTERS
Catherine, Princess of Wales talks with Katherine Field as she visits The Royal Marsden Hospital on January 14, 2025 in London, Britain. Chris Jackson/Pool via REUTERS

Kate, Britain's Princess of Wales, visited a London hospital on Tuesday where she underwent cancer treatment last year to personally thank medics there for their care and support, her office said.

Kate, 43, underwent a course of preventative chemotherapy after major abdominal surgery a year ago revealed the presence of cancer.

For the treatment, which concluded in September, Kate attended the Royal Marsden Hospital in central London and on Tuesday she paid an official visit there to mark her becoming joint patron of its specialist cancer unit along with her husband Prince William, Reuters reported.

On her visit she met patients and staff and spoke of her own treatment. A royal source said Kate had wanted to show her gratitude to the hospital staff and highlight its work.

"We are incredibly fortunate to receive Royal Patronage – it is inspiring for staff and patients and enables us to shine a light on the outstanding work our staff deliver every day for patients and their families," said Cally Palmer, Chief Executive of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.

Kate's illness meant she was absent from royal duties for most of last year, although she gave a number of health updates in highly personal video messages.