How does the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) support the development of the mineral value chain?

The FMF is a global, inclusive gathering for the mineral industry held in Riyadh to shape the future of minerals. It is not just one event but a series of activities and discussions covering the entire mineral value chain throughout the year, from exploration to recycling and everything in between. The focus is on creating resilient, responsible mineral value chains that benefit the community, the environment and the economy.

The FMF’s cornerstone is the Ministerial Roundtable, where government leaders set the direction and tone for the whole event and year. This is followed by a twoday conference where mineral industry and government leaders engage in deep discussions. Can you elaborate on the Ministerial Roundtable’s role and impact on global mineral policies?

The Ministerial Roundtable 2025 (MRT) will bring together about 100 country representatives and 40 from international bilateral and multilateral organizations. It is an ongoing dialogue, with actions that carry on through the year. The MRT started in 2022 with 32 countries and six organizations, sparking meaningful conversations. By 2023, that grew to 63 countries and 21 organizations; the main takeaway was clear: we needed to take action. In 2024, we turned the discussions from the previous year into real plans and initiatives led by the FMF team. A working group led by the FMF, made up of different governments and organizations, has been working since 2023 on developing a draft framework, which we plan to present in 2025 for global adoption and action.

We are also working on creating centers of excellence, which will connect experts worldwide. Some countries are ahead in tech and know-how, while others are not as advanced. The idea is to bring together people from around the world so they can share knowledge and build much needed capacity. Additionally, sustainability and traceability are key, with efforts around setting priorities for responsible supply. What are some of the main goals and additions for FMF’s 2025 edition?

The motto of the FMF 2025 is “Global Leadership Through Action” and we are expecting some exciting growth for the conference. In 2022, we had about 4,000 attendees; by 2024, that number jumped to 14,000. For 2025, we are aiming for around 20,000. We havebig new additions for 2025. One is the “Knowledge Exchange”, part of our effort to be more inclusive. We will also be hosting the International Geological Survey meeting, where we expect around 40 to 50 geological survey institutions from across the globe to attend. Additionally, there will be a meeting focused on Centers of Excellence, focusing on capacity development across the Super Region. Lastly, we are introducing a series of Leadership Roundtables, where groups of international Ministers and CEOs sit together to tackle a tough issue on mineral supply and recommend solutions for implementation.

We will introduce something new called the “Investment Stream”, aiming to make Riyadh the go-to place for anyone wanting to connect with the top players in the minerals industry. This is where representatives from Saudi Arabia will have a chance to speak directly to investors and present the opportunities available in their country. The idea is to make the conference more interactive and practical, not just about sitting through presentations. What would be your message for GBR’s audience and attendees of the FMF 2025?

Countries own the mineral resources, and companies need governments’ permission to extract them. But governments face big challenges that cannot be tackled alone. They need help from big investors and corporations. Of course, both need clear standards and regulations to guide their work. At the FMF, we care deeply about sustainability and environmental, social, and community impact. We want to bring everyone together to tackle the challenges in the industry and create solutions that benefit communities, governments, businesses and the environment.

I am proud to be part of the team that has been building this from the ground up since 2022. Together, we have created what is now the leading global platform for mining and mineral value chains, and we are really proud of that. We will keep pushing forward, staying innovative, and making sure we do not repeat ourselves, whether in the program or our offerings.