Important Facts of the News
- Meeting held in Riyadh on November 5, 2025.
- Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources: Bandar Alkhorayef.
- U.S. representative: Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum.
- Focus on critical minerals and rare-earth elements.
- MoU between Saudi Ministry of Industry and U.S. Department of Energy signed in May 2025.
- Discussion centered on sustainable mineral supply chains and energy transition.
- Future Minerals Forum’s fifth edition is set for January 13–15, 2026 in Riyadh.
Saudi, U.S. officials discuss new avenues in mineral partnership
Saudi Arabia and the United States are moving to bolster their cooperation in critical minerals as part of a broader effort to support the global transition to sustainable energy. Industry and Mineral Resources Minister Bandar Alkhorayef met with U.S. Secretary of the Interior and National Energy Dominance Council Chairman Doug Burgum in Riyadh to discuss advancing shared goals in mining and resource development.
Deepening strategic ties in mining and energy sectors
At the heart of the talks was a review of the existing memorandum of cooperation signed between Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and the U.S. Department of Energy. The agreement, initiated in May 2025 during the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum, aims to enhance collaboration in developing critical minerals and rare-earth elements—key components in energy storage and clean energy technologies.
Both sides highlighted the urgency of building durable and sustainable mineral supply chains to meet growing global demand driven by energy transition. Enhanced cooperation is expected to help bridge critical resource gaps and foster innovation in mining technologies.
Future Minerals Forum to lead global mining dialogue
The meeting also drew attention to the Saudi-hosted Future Minerals Forum, a premier international platform dedicated to shaping the future of mining and minerals. The event brings together decision-makers, investors, research bodies, NGOs, and technology innovators from around the world to explore practical solutions for challenges facing the mining sector.
The fifth edition of the forum will take place in Riyadh from January 13 to 15, 2026. Its agenda includes discussions on climate-responsive mining techniques, investment opportunities, and strengthening the global minerals supply chain.