Future Minerals Forum feedback

Delegates returning from Future Minerals Forum give their thoughts on the landmark event

The 2022 Future Minerals Forum offered delegates from around the world the chance to coalesce under one roof at an international conference centre, after close to two years of sheltering inside during a succession of lockdowns. For a majority of the audience, the inaugural Riyadh event marked the return of attending in-person conferences and – for some attendees – a first foray into Saudi Arabia. In the build up to the Forum, the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources spoke of how the event would connect global policy makers with investors, financiers and business leaders across the mining value chain and attract foreign investment to a new emerging mining frontier with the Arabian Gulf in the centre. During the week, RGN was struck by the slick execution of the maiden event and the important topics included in the expansive conference programme. But don’t take our word for it. We have included below a selection of quotations from satisfied delegates returning from Riyadh with a fresh understanding of future-facing trends in the global mining sector, the opportunities available in the underexplored Middle East, and changed perceptions of Saudi Arabia.

Abdullah Busfar, EV Metals Group chairman:

“FMF was a significant global platform to discuss the importance of future minerals and the part they will play in the supply chain for a clean energy future.EV Metals (EVM) utilised this platform to outline the delivery of our plans to build a Battery Chemicals Complex in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in line with Vision

2030.

“EVM also signed an MoU with Ajlan & Bros Mining Company which arises from our commitment to develop the Saudi supply chain by partnering with the right Saudi entities to promote a new generation of mining companies in the minerals and metals sector of the Kingdom.We acknowledge the leadership of the ministers and their ministries in promoting this global Forum and we look forward toparticipating in future minerals events.”

Future Minerals Forum feedback

Peter Leon, Herbert Smith Freehills partner and Africa chair:

“Future Minerals Forum was an important gathering to talk about the global future of mining. This was not just commercial. It was about much wider issues. I have two takeaways: First, the need for collective action; and second, how Saudi Arabia could be a regional mining hub for the Middle East but also for Africa.”

Andrew Thake, Mines and Money head of content:

“Future Minerals Forum was the best launch event I have even been to. With other 4,000 attendees and constructive, forward thinking dialogue and with the support of the Kingdom, it established itself as the Davos of the mining industry. I would encourage everyone involved in the mining industry to mark Future Minerals Forum 2023 in their diary now.”

Future Minerals Forum feedback

Delegates returning from Future Minerals Forum give their thoughts on the landmark event

Dennis Gibson, Snowline Group president:

“Future Minerals Forum provided a fantastic opportunity to meet up with business colleagues from around the world and forge new friendships. A welcome opportunity for many participants to travel internationally, many for the first time since COVID struck in 2020. Our hosts were welcoming, passionate and demonstrated a good understanding of the opportunities that Vision 2030 provides for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“The vast, relatively untapped potential of mineral and natural resources and its geographic proximity to major resources and markets provides leverage for Saudi Arabia to become a significant player in the mining space. I foresee that investor and supplier interest in the region will increase as the message goes out post Forum.”

Future Minerals Forum feedback

Jerry Huang, IMPACT Silver Corp chief financial officer and Jemini Capital Advisor:

“The inaugural Future Mining Forum was an eye-opening event with first-hand opportunities to learn about Saudi Arabia’s mining potential and meet top-tier family offices investors in the Kingdom. “It’s inspiring to hear first-hand the Saudi Vision 2030, the streamlined and strategic development of opening mining up to international markets, not to mention the $500 billion government is investing to make mining the third pillar in the Kingdom’s next decade.”