Forging a new era for global minerals

The global minerals and mining sector is navigating an era of unprecedented complexity. From infrastructure constraints and limited manufacturing capacity to the challenges of securing safe, reliable investment environments, accessing financing, and deploying advanced technologies, the industry faces a confluence of factors that are reshaping its landscape. 

These dynamics have created sustained uncertainty, dampening investor confidence and constraining capital flows. Consequently, trade disruptions and supply chain vulnerabilities — particularly in critical minerals essential for electric vehicles, semiconductors, and advanced high-technology applications — have become increasingly pronounced.

Investor apprehension is further compounded by regulatory ambiguity, geopolitical tensions, evolving environmental, social, and governance expectations, and the inherently long lead times of mining projects.

Amid these global challenges, Saudi Arabia has pursued a systematic approach to mineral resource development since 1997. Over the past decades, the Kingdom has cultivated a national strategy aimed at modernizing and expanding its mining sector. 

This trajectory accelerated with the launch of Vision 2030, positioning mining as a cornerstone of economic diversification and sustainable growth. Three strategic pillars underpin this transformation: Conducting comprehensive geological surveys to identify prospective mining sites, identifying high-potential investment opportunities, and establishing incentives to attract international capital.

Historically recognized for its hydrocarbon wealth, Saudi Arabia is now rapidly emerging as a leading mining jurisdiction. 

The Kingdom is home to an estimated $2.5 trillion in untapped mineral resources, spanning precious metals, base metals, rare earth elements, and industrial minerals. This vast endowment positions Saudi Arabia to play a pivotal role in global mining and advanced manufacturing supply chains.

The sector’s momentum is measurable. Through a series of regulatory and institutional reforms, Saudi Arabia climbed from 104th to 23rd in the Fraser Institute’s Global Mining Investment Attractiveness Rankings, reflecting robust investor confidence in the Kingdom’s legal, regulatory, and business environment. Exploration expenditures have increased dramatically in recent years, driving higher capital inflows into mining projects.

Significant progress is being made in geological research. The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources has completed 30 percent of the geological survey of the Arabian Shield, spanning approximately 700,000 sq. km. Data from these surveys, totaling over 10 terabytes, will be made publicly available via the National Geological Database, providing a critical catalyst for both domestic and international investment. 

These efforts align with the objectives of the Mining Investment Law, the Comprehensive Mining and Minerals Industries Strategy, and the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program, reinforcing the Kingdom’s ambition to position mining as a third pillar of national industry.

It is within this strategic and dynamic context that the 5th edition of the Future Minerals Forum 2026 convenes in Riyadh from Jan. 13-15 under the theme, “Dawn of Global Cause.” 

The forum serves as a global platform to address the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of minerals, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and thought leaders to drive collaboration, innovation, and actionable solutions.

FMF 2026 features nine targeted program streams designed to stimulate debate, explore emerging opportunities, and accelerate action across the mineral value chain. With participation from over 100 government representatives, more than 70 international organizations, NGOs, and industry associations, and CEOs of leading mining companies, the Forum exemplifies a unified, solutions-driven dialogue on how mining can underpin sustainable global development.

The minerals and mining industry is undergoing a profound transformation. Structural challenges —including infrastructure gaps, supply chain vulnerabilities, and investment uncertainty — are significant. Yet, Saudi Arabia’s sustained commitment to regulatory reform, strategic exploration, and a long-term national vision positions the Kingdom to unlock value, enhance supply chain resilience, and drive sustainable growth.

In this context, the Future Minerals Forum 2026 emerges as a timely and essential platform — bridging global dialogue with tangible action and fostering collaboration to shape a secure, responsible, and sustainable future for the global minerals sector.

• Talat Zaki Hafiz is an economist and financial analyst.

X: @TalatHafiz