Saudi Arabia, US Pledge Deeper Cooperation on Mining, Critical Minerals
Bilateral talks focus on securing global supply chains for energy transition.
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia and the United States have agreed to deepen their cooperation in mining and critical minerals as part of efforts to bolster global supply chains crucial for a successful energy transition.
Senior officials from both nations met in Riyadh, underscoring the strategic importance of these resources in powering a low-carbon future.
Bandar Alkhorayef, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, engaged in discussions with US Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, who also chairs the National Energy Dominance Council.
Their talks centered on exploring new areas of partnership within the mining and minerals sector, an area where the Kingdom is rapidly advancing.
Saudi Arabia's ambition to become a major player in global mining is anchored in its Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy, which foresees unlocking around $2.5 trillion worth of untapped mineral wealth.
The nation is actively courting international investment and advanced technology to support the growth of its burgeoning mining sector.
According to official reports, the discussions touched upon the potential for enhanced cooperation in critical minerals and rare earth elements.
Both parties acknowledged the need for a collaborative approach to ensure secure and sustainable supply chains that can sustain the global transition towards renewable energy sources.
The meeting reviewed existing frameworks under a memorandum of cooperation signed by the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and the US Department of Energy in May. This agreement aims at streamlining coordination between both nations on various aspects such as mineral exploration, the development of critical mineral value chains, and exchanges of knowledge and expertise.
Both countries reiterated their dedication to promoting responsible and sustainable mining practices, especially concerning minerals that are vital for renewable energy technologies and advanced manufacturing processes.
The meeting also emphasized the necessity of international cooperation in establishing resilient supply chains, responding to the surge in demand driven by the global shift towards cleaner energy sources.
Such cooperation is deemed essential as nations work together to address the challenges posed by a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
The discussions culminated with an invitation for industry professionals and stakeholders to participate in the Future Minerals Forum.
This annual gathering, hosted by Saudi Arabia, aims to facilitate dialogue among policymakers, investors, technology providers, and research institutions focused on the mining and minerals sector.
Next year's edition of the forum is set to take place in Riyadh from January 13-15, 2026, positioning the city as a central stage for global discussions on sustainable mining practices and innovation in the industry.
Senior officials from both nations met in Riyadh, underscoring the strategic importance of these resources in powering a low-carbon future.
Bandar Alkhorayef, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, engaged in discussions with US Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, who also chairs the National Energy Dominance Council.
Their talks centered on exploring new areas of partnership within the mining and minerals sector, an area where the Kingdom is rapidly advancing.
Saudi Arabia's ambition to become a major player in global mining is anchored in its Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy, which foresees unlocking around $2.5 trillion worth of untapped mineral wealth.
The nation is actively courting international investment and advanced technology to support the growth of its burgeoning mining sector.
According to official reports, the discussions touched upon the potential for enhanced cooperation in critical minerals and rare earth elements.
Both parties acknowledged the need for a collaborative approach to ensure secure and sustainable supply chains that can sustain the global transition towards renewable energy sources.
The meeting reviewed existing frameworks under a memorandum of cooperation signed by the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and the US Department of Energy in May. This agreement aims at streamlining coordination between both nations on various aspects such as mineral exploration, the development of critical mineral value chains, and exchanges of knowledge and expertise.
Both countries reiterated their dedication to promoting responsible and sustainable mining practices, especially concerning minerals that are vital for renewable energy technologies and advanced manufacturing processes.
The meeting also emphasized the necessity of international cooperation in establishing resilient supply chains, responding to the surge in demand driven by the global shift towards cleaner energy sources.
Such cooperation is deemed essential as nations work together to address the challenges posed by a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
The discussions culminated with an invitation for industry professionals and stakeholders to participate in the Future Minerals Forum.
This annual gathering, hosted by Saudi Arabia, aims to facilitate dialogue among policymakers, investors, technology providers, and research institutions focused on the mining and minerals sector.
Next year's edition of the forum is set to take place in Riyadh from January 13-15, 2026, positioning the city as a central stage for global discussions on sustainable mining practices and innovation in the industry.
