Future Minerals Forum to develop int'l framework for critical minerals

Future Minerals Forum (FMF) is working this year on developing an international framework for critical minerals, focusing on increasing and sustaining production, expanding investment, and improving regulations, Director of Strategy, Program & Content Aldo Pennini exclusively told Argaam.

This is while announcing new excellence centers to support talent development in the region and the application of modern technologies in the mining sector, he further stated.

In 2025, the forum will be held under the slogan "Achieving Impact", as it will focus on transforming the efforts made over the past years into tangible results that serve the Kingdom, the region, and the world, he added on the sidelines of the press conference for the FMF's fourth edition.

This year’s forum is set to be a key global workshop, under the premise that by 2025 and beyond, this will begin to have a real impact by further investment and opportunities, while also ensuring that production is carried out as sustainably and responsibly as possible, Pennini said.

It will discuss enabling investors and mining players to boost financing for mining projects and infrastructure on a large scale, thus helping meet the global demand for minerals to support the energy transition and economic development.

This is in addition to exploring ways to shift away from exporting raw materials to boosting local added value, by providing job opportunities, supporting local communities and elevating economic growth.

He added that the conference aims to send a message to communities, especially youth, to consider the mining sector as a key future job opportunity, and to consumers and customers that a modern lifestyle will not be possible without this sector.

The mining industry has developed significantly. This after it diverted away from traditional exploration to relying on modern technology using artificial intelligence (AI) and drones to improve exploration and processing operations, making it a future-proof industry, according to the official.

Pennini also stressed the importance of the greater region extending from Africa to West and Central Asia as a fundamental source of basic minerals such as copper, lithium, cobalt, nickel and many others.

He indicated that the conference is bound to work to strengthen cooperation between governments and industries to ensure sustainable production of minerals and distribution of returns to local communities.

As for the new additions, he said the program will include knowledge-sharing sessions to deliver technical presentations on exploration, cutting-edge technologies, sustainability and future talent.

Roundtables will also be featured this year, bringing together ministers and CEOs to discuss strategic issues, with the accompanying exhibition being extended to last three days instead of two previously.