What's Happening?
The Future Minerals Forum (FMF) is currently taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, featuring the world's largest ministerial roundtable on minerals. The event gathers over 100 government representatives
and more than 70 international organizations, industry associations, NGOs, and mining executives. The central theme of the roundtable is 'Minerals for a New Era of Development,' focusing on developing an international critical minerals framework, centers of excellence for capacity building, sustainability expectations, and infrastructure corridors. The FMF aims to position a 'super region'—comprising 80 countries across Africa, Central and Western Asia, and Latin America—as a leader in critical minerals. The forum also seeks to establish fully integrated value chains and create a coordinated network of centers to provide specialized knowledge and resources to empower less developed countries.
Why It's Important?
The Future Minerals Forum is significant as it addresses the global demand for critical minerals, which are essential for various industries, including technology and renewable energy. By establishing a framework for critical minerals, the FMF aims to help supplier countries attract investment in mine development and local value creation. This initiative could lead to increased economic development and job creation in these regions. Additionally, the forum's focus on sustainability and infrastructure development aligns with global efforts to ensure responsible mining practices and strengthen supply chain resilience. The involvement of major stakeholders, such as the World Bank, highlights the importance of international collaboration in addressing the challenges and opportunities in the mining sector.
What's Next?
The Future Minerals Forum is expected to deliver on initiatives started in previous years, including the development of infrastructure corridors in partnership with the World Bank. These corridors aim to drive a new era of development in supplier countries and enhance supply chain resilience. The forum will also feature inaugural conversations on sector trends, leadership sentiment, and mineral outlooks, as well as a Gateway to Funding engagement stream to connect investors with mining companies seeking growth capital. As the FMF continues to grow, it is likely to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the global minerals industry and fostering international cooperation.
