Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud – may God protect him – the fourth edition of the International Mining Conference officially launched today, Tuesday, in Riyadh. The event is attended by representatives from more than 90 countries, including 16 members of the G20, as well as 50 international governmental and non-governmental organizations, trade unions, and top mining industry leaders from around the world.

The conference began with the Fourth International Ministerial Meeting for Ministers responsible for mining affairs, aimed at enhancing international cooperation in the production of critical minerals used in the energy transition and modern technology industries, as well as laying the foundation for sustainable development of the global and regional mining industry. The meeting also focuses on building capacities and enabling the mining industry as a key driver for economic and social development.

Participants in the meeting will discuss progress made on initiatives from the Third Ministerial Meeting held as part of the previous conference edition. These initiatives include developing a strategic framework for critical minerals in the mining region stretching from Africa to West and Central Asia, increasing the added value in mineral-producing countries, producing green minerals using modern technologies and renewable energy, establishing centers of excellence in the region to attract investment, build capacities, and develop human resources.

The Fourth Ministerial Meeting will be attended by several ministers, including Egypt's Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Eng. Karim Badawy, Italy's Minister for the Environment and Energy Security, Dr. Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, the UK Minister of State for Business and Trade, MP Jonathan Reynolds, Brazil's Minister of Energy, Alexander Silveira, India's Minister of Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, South Africa's Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, Ebrahim Patel, the Democratic Republic of Congo's Minister of Mines, Kissitu Bakabumba Kabinga, Nigeria's Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Henry Dely Alaki, and Morocco's Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali.

Additionally, the first meeting of Centers of Excellence and Technology will take place today, with participation from academic institutions such as specialized institutes and universities. This meeting will discuss the creation of a regional network aimed at building capacities and accelerating technology in the region stretching from Africa to West and Central Asia to ensure its leadership in the mining and minerals sector.

Another significant event is the second meeting for the leaders of international geological survey agencies. This meeting will involve heads of geological surveys from Africa and Asia, alongside prestigious international organizations, including the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the British Geological Survey (BGS), the French Geological Survey (BRGM), and the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK). The discussion will focus on enhancing geological capabilities in the region from Africa to West and Central Asia to attract investments by empowering geologists, utilizing digital technologies, and artificial intelligence to accurately locate minerals.

It is worth mentioning that the fourth edition of the conference, which is being held from January 14 to 16, will feature 250 speakers, including CEOs of major mining companies, firms related to the minerals and financing sectors, and nearly 15,000 participants in its sessions.