Al-Badawi praises Saudi Arabia's leadership in the mining sector and the Minerals Forum
The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, affirmed the pivotal and pioneering role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in reshaping the global mining landscape, praising its tireless efforts to advance this vital sector through the introduction of ambitious strategic initiatives and the organization of major international platforms.
This came during his active participation in the fifth edition of the Ministerial Roundtable of the Future Metals Forum (FMF), hosted and organized by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources in Riyadh. The meeting witnessed broad participation, including a select group of decision-makers, ministers, and leaders from relevant sectors from around the world, reflecting the growing international influence of the Kingdom in this field.
Future of Minerals Forum: A Global Decision-Making Platform
Al-Badawi praised the prominent position achieved by the “Future of Minerals Forum,” which has transformed in record time into an effective international framework and a strategic platform contributing to the development of shared visions for the future of the minerals sector. He noted that the forum is no longer merely an annual event, but has become a key driver for addressing the challenges associated with global supply chains and ensuring the sustainability of mineral resources, which are the lifeblood of modern industries.
Mining as a third pillar of the economy
This praise comes amidst the major economic transformations underway in the Kingdom as part of Vision 2030, which has positioned the mining sector as a third pillar of national industry, alongside oil, gas, and petrochemicals. The Kingdom seeks to leverage its vast mineral wealth, valued at trillions of dollars, not only to boost GDP but also to become a global hub for the production and processing of green minerals essential for the energy transition.
The strategic importance of the Gulf States
In a related context, Al-Badawi affirmed that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are giving unprecedented and growing attention to the metals and mining sector. He explained that this interest stems from the promising opportunities the sector offers in supporting sustainable economic growth, enhancing Gulf industrial security, and achieving optimal utilization of natural resources. He also emphasized that Gulf integration in this sector will strengthen the region's position as a key player in meeting the increasing global demand for critical metals, particularly those used in clean energy technologies and electric vehicles.
Al-Badawi concluded his remarks by emphasizing that Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing the status of minerals as a key element in building economies and supporting economic diversification paths represents a model to be emulated in the region and supports global trends towards a more sustainable and efficient industrial future.
