Key Takeaways
- Largest Australian pavilion in FMF history with 400+ Australian companies registered
- Signing of a historic MOU between the Australia–Saudi Business Council and ESNAD
- Strong ministerial support from His Excellency Bandar AlKhorayef and His Excellency Khalid Almudaifer
- Major bilateral discussions across mining investment, services, and critical minerals
- Australian Embassy in Riyadh hosted one of its largest receptions to date, strengthening bilateral ties
- Education and skills collaboration advanced via an MOU between The University of Queensland and the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources
- Successful engagement of all Australian trade and investment teams, showcasing a unified “Team Australia” presence
Australia–Saudi Mining Partnership Strengthened at Future Minerals Forum 2026 in Riyadh
The Australia–Saudi Business Council (ASBC/F) and Forum played a prominent role at the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2026, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which concluded with strong outcomes across government, industry, and academia. The forum reinforced the growing depth and maturity of bilateral cooperation between Australia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia across mining, minerals, and critical resources.
Key Outcomes and High-Level Ministerial Engagement
During the forum, ASBC/F representatives were honored to be welcomed by His Excellency Bandar AlKhorayef, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources. His Excellency’s continued support for Australian businesses has played a meaningful role in strengthening bilateral relations and advancing cooperation across the resources and investment sectors.
ASBC/F also acknowledged the leadership of His Excellency Khalid Almudaifer, Vice Minister for Mining Affairs, for creating and sustaining a truly global forum that brings together governments, industry leaders, and investors to shape the future of the minerals sector.
Through its active engagement with senior Saudi leadership, ASBC/F helped facilitate constructive dialogue between Australian companies and key decision-makers, supporting relationship-building at the highest levels of government and industry.
Landmark Agreements and Strategic Partnerships
A major highlight of FMF 2026 was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Australia–Saudi Business Council & Forum and ESNAD | إسـنـاد, a leading Saudi Arabian mining services company and founding partner of the Future Minerals Forum.
This agreement represents the first formal collaboration between an Australian entity and ESNAD. It reflects a shared commitment to advancing bilateral trade and investment in mining services, mining investment, and critical minerals. The partnership aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030, where mining is identified as a key growth sector, and leverages Australia’s global leadership in mining expertise.
ASBC/F extends its sincere thanks to the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources for its support, and to the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) and the Australian Embassy in Saudi Arabia for their continued efforts to strengthen economic ties between the two nations.
Team Australia Presence and Official Engagements
The strength of Australia’s participation was further underscored by the largest Australian pavilion to date and the registration of more than 400 Australian companies, clearly reflecting the deepening collaboration between Australia and Saudi Arabia across the mining and minerals sector. This strong presence was complemented by one of the largest Australian Embassy receptions ever hosted in the Kingdom, held by the Australian Embassy in Riyadh during the forum.
This significant presence also highlights the important role played by ASBC/F in supporting Australian companies to enter the Saudi market, connect with key industry players, and establish strong, lasting relationships across the mining and critical minerals ecosystem.
This strong participation was complemented by one of the largest Australian Embassy receptions ever hosted in the Kingdom, held by the Australian Embassy in Riyadh during the forum.
ASBC/F extends its thanks to His Excellency Miles Armitage, Australian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, together with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Austrade, and state trade representatives from Queensland and Western Australia, for their leadership and continued commitment to advancing bilateral cooperation in mining and resources.
Business Meetings, Industry Dialogue, and Skills Collaboration
Throughout the week, ASBC/F participated in a series of productive discussions with Australian and Saudi businesses spanning the full resources and minerals value chain. ASBC/F Chairman Tom Harley engaged with a wide range of industry leaders, including representatives from major regional conglomerates, highlighting practical opportunities for collaboration and investment.
ASBC/F actively supported participating Australian companies throughout the forum, helping them engage directly with Saudi counterparts and build strong commercial relationships with key stakeholders across the sector.
In addition, ASBC/F welcomed the signing of an MOU between The University of Queensland and the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, representing a significant step forward in building long-term education, skills development, and research pathways between Australia and the Kingdom.
Event Conclusion and Next Steps
FMF 2026 concluded on a strong note, reflecting the growing momentum of Australia–Saudi collaboration in mining and critical minerals. ASBC/F thanks all stakeholders across government, industry, and academia who contributed to presenting a unified and impactful Team Australia presence.
Building on this success, the Australia–Saudi Business Council looks forward to converting discussions and agreements into tangible projects and partnerships and to returning even stronger for Future Minerals Forum 2027.
