Riyadh:The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources announced that the sixth edition of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) will take place in Riyadh from January 12 to 14, 2027. The event, held under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, will focus on the theme 'Global Collaboration for Resilient Mineral Supply.'
According to Saudi Press Agency, the FMF has played a crucial role in fostering global dialogue and partnerships in the mining and minerals sector. The fifth edition, held in January 2026, was attended by senior representatives from 91 countries, over 64 organizations, and more than 21,500 participants from 175 countries. It resulted in 132 agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) worth over $26.7 billion, bringing the total across all editions to 398 agreements valued at more than $75.2 billion.
The upcoming forum aims to address key issues such as financing, project acceleration, and the development of value chains within Saudi Arabia and emerging regions, including Africa, West and Central Asia, and Latin America. A government-led Ministerial Roundtable will convene key stakeholders to discuss the future of minerals.
The event will also feature 'Gateway to Funding' activities, showcasing investment opportunities and connecting investors with projects. 'State of the Sector' sessions will provide insights into global market trends, aiding decision-making for governments and industry leaders.
Specialized roundtables and meetings will tackle regional challenges in mineral supply, aiming to fortify supply chains. The FMF continues to drive Saudi Arabia's mining sector forward, highlighting the country's growing opportunities and aligning them with international expertise and investment.
Recent developments in the Kingdom's mining sector include an increase in exploration expenditure from $54.7 million in 2020 to approximately $362.7 million in 2025, alongside a rise in active exploration companies from six to 191. The Jabal Sayid Rare Earth Elements Project in the Madinah Region has revealed significant resources of rare earth elements and uranium.
The FMF supports the Comprehensive Mining and Mineral Industries Strategy, seeking to diversify mineral supply and enhance mining capabilities globally.