Ministry of Industry concludes the fourth edition of the International Mining Conference

The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources concluded today the fourth edition of the International Mining Conference, which was held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, during the period from January 14 to 16, 2025, at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh.

The conference, which witnessed a record attendance of 18,000 participants from 165 countries, has become a prominent global platform that brings together leaders in the mining sector to discuss future challenges and opportunities, with a focus on innovation and sustainability.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 focuses on developing human capital, and AMAC has achieved 36% localization in its workforce and has contributed with the Saudi Technical Institute for Mining to train Saudi youth.

Thirty Saudi trainees have completed a two-year diploma program and are participating in operational processes, in line with its strategy to be among the top 10 countries in mining, supported by advanced infrastructure such as ports, modern roads and industrial zones.

In his closing remarks, the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Mr. Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef, expressed his thanks and appreciation to the wise leadership for its continuous support for the mining sector, stressing that this support reflects the leadership's commitment to achieving the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 by making mining the third pillar of Saudi industry.

He pointed out that the conference exceeded expectations and became an international platform of global interest, bringing together partnerships and international cooperation to achieve sustainable development for the mining sector.

He stressed the importance of continuing to work in the spirit of partnership and cooperation to achieve sustainable development in the mining sector, noting that the outcomes of this conference will be a starting point for a new phase of growth in the sector locally and internationally, to keep pace with the growing global demand for critical minerals.

The most prominent outcomes of the conference

1- Major strategic projects:

• Launching a joint project between Aramco and Maaden to explore critical minerals needed for the energy transition.

• Expansions of the Mansoura and Masarra mines and new discoveries in Wadi Al-Jaw and Shaiban deposits.

• Hadeed Company's acquisition of Al-Rajhi Steel Industries Company with investments of 25 billion riyals.

2- Strengthening value chains:

• Signing agreements to support exploration and mining, and enhance sustainability.

• Focusing on utilizing untapped resources in Africa, West and Central Asia.

3- Accompanying international exhibition:

• Participation of 170 exhibitors representing the value chain of the mining sector.

• National pavilions for 8 countries including Australia, Sweden, India, and the United Kingdom.

• Showcasing the latest technological innovations in the technical zone and the exploration zone.

Pivotal discussions

• Enhancing investment in mining infrastructure.

• Developing flexible and sustainable supply chains.

• The role of artificial intelligence in supporting future decisions in the field of mining.

• Enabling local communities to benefit economically and socially from the sector.