The Australian Saudi Business Forum & Council (ASBC/F), in partnership with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), has announced the leadership of an Australian business delegation to the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2026, taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
As one of the world’s most influential platforms for mining, minerals, and resource-sector innovation, FMF continues to support Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global hub for minerals exploration, critical minerals investment, and sustainable industrial development under Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia’s Mining Sector: A Major Global Opportunity​
Saudi Arabia is positioning mining as the third pillar of its economy, alongside oil and petrochemicals. With an estimated US$2.5 trillion in untapped mineral resources, the Kingdom is rapidly expanding exploration, downstream processing, and advanced mining technologies.
Significant deposits of phosphate, gold, bauxite, copper, zinc, rare earth elements, and critical minerals are being mapped and opened to international partnerships. The government is also rolling out:
- Major sector-wide investments
- Fiscal incentives for foreign companies
- Advanced geological surveys covering 600,000+ sq km
- New regulatory frameworks to support global investors
Global demand for critical minerals—driven by electric vehicles, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing—positions Saudi Arabia as a future powerhouse in the minerals supply chain. This transition is creating strong demand for global expertise in:
- METS and exploration services
- Sustainable mining
- Processing technologies
- Innovation and digital transformation
- Workforce capability development
This growing ecosystem presents significant commercial, investment, and partnership opportunities for Australian mining and METS companies.
Why the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) Mattersl Opportunity​
Set against this momentum, FMF has become the Kingdom’s flagship global gathering for mining leadership and policy shaping. The 2026 edition will bring together:
- International mining leaders
- Policymakers and regulators
- Investors and financiers
- Technology and sustainability experts
The conference and exhibition offer direct access to project pipelines, geological insights, regulatory updates, partnership opportunities, and emerging markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia mining corridor.
Australia’s participation through ASBF’s delegation further strengthens the growing economic and investment ties between both nations, particularly in critical minerals, mining technology, sustainability solutions, exploration services, and skills development.
Opportunities for Australian Organisations
The delegation will provide Australian companies with a structured pathway to engage with Saudi stakeholders through:
- High-level commercial dialogue with government and private-sector leaders
- Direct access to Saudi Arabia’s evolving mining ecosystem
- Introductions to investors, mining operators, and project owners
- Insights into regulatory reforms and market-entry pathways
- Business matching and partnership facilitation
This mission is ideal for organisations involved in:
- Exploration and geological services
- Critical minerals and battery supply chains
- Mining services and equipment (METS)
- Engineering and consulting
- Sustainable mining technologies
- Resource innovation and R&D
- Workforce training and capability development
Expressions of Interest Now Open
ASBC/F invites Australian organisations interested in participating to submit their Expression of Interest.
đŸ‘‰Â Submit your EOI: https://bit.ly/4pzpUtN
Early registrations are recommended, as the program will include curated briefings, sector-specific engagements, and targeted networking opportunities.
