Saudi Arabia showcases mining sector reforms at Egypt Mining Forum

Khalid bin Saleh Al-Mudaifer, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mining Affairs, presented the Kingdom’s experience in building a competitive and investment-friendly mining sector during the fifth edition of the Egypt Mining Forum 2026, held in Cairo on September 28 and 29. The event brought together ministers, government officials, company leaders, investors, and experts from the mining and minerals sector.

Al-Mudaifer participated in a ministerial session titled "Building Competitive Mining Environments through Policy, Financial Stability, and Investment," which discussed ways to enhance the competitiveness of mineral-producing countries in attracting long-term investments. The session focused on developing regulatory policies, achieving financial stability, planning infrastructure, and strengthening public-private partnerships.

During the session, Al-Mudaifer outlined the transformation of Saudi Arabia’s mining sector under the goals of Vision 2030. He highlighted the development of legislative and regulatory frameworks, expansion of geological data availability, acceleration of exploration activities, infrastructure development, and the provision of enablers and investment incentives. These efforts aim to turn the Kingdom’s geological potential into viable investment and development opportunities.

Boosting regional and international cooperation

Al-Mudaifer pointed to opportunities for enhanced cooperation between Middle Eastern and African countries in mining and minerals, particularly in exchanging geological data, attracting investment, technology transfer, expertise sharing, and human capital development. He also emphasized the importance of advancing processing activities and downstream industries to strengthen mineral value chains and meet rising global demand for minerals.

Saudi Arabia’s participation in the forum is part of its efforts to boost regional and international collaboration and share expertise with mineral-producing countries. The Kingdom is exploring broader opportunities for technical and investment cooperation, increasing private sector involvement across the value chain, and expanding mining collaboration with Egypt.

This participation aligns with Saudi Arabia’s role in expanding international dialogue on the future of the minerals sector through the International Mining Conference in Riyadh, which brings together governments, industry leaders, investors, and technology providers to foster cooperation and build more resilient mineral value chains. Riyadh will host the sixth edition of the conference from January 12 to 14, 2027.