Saudi Arabia is bringing the importance of mining “to the world”, the Kingdom’s minister of Industry and Mineral Resources said as he opened a special conference in Riyadh.
Bandar Al Khorayef made the comments at the beginning of the public part of the Future Minerals Forum — a special event bringing together ministers, organisations and mining leaders from more than 30 countries.
He argued that there is a “great opportunity to contribute in providing vital minerals” to the world, as well as harnessing the mining sector to become “a major economic driver in the countries of the region.”
“The value of the mineral wealth in Saudi Arabia is estimated about $1.3 trillion,” he said.
He added: “The launch of a conference brings Saudi Arabia’s awareness of the importance of the mining sector in the world and its impact on economic recovery and its great impact on the future of many industries that represent a great priority and enter into the details of our daily lives.
“It has the regions of the Middle East, West and Central Asia and the Continent of Africa, and the Kingdom occupies a strategic position between these countries.”
The event, hosted by the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, is aimed at highlighting the role of mining in Saudi Vision 2030, after the government identified it as the third pillar of the Kingdom’s economy.
