Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources: The Arab region enjoys abundant mineral resources that qualify it to be at the forefront of the global mining map.

His Excellency the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Mr. Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef, stressed that the Arab region enjoys a diverse geological environment and abundant mineral resources, which gives it a comparative advantage that qualifies it to be at the forefront of the global mining map. He stressed the need to combine appropriate efforts by providing a stimulating investment environment, strengthening the mineral resources value chain, and establishing projects that serve the transformation of raw materials into high-value-added products that support the economies of Arab countries and enhance their competitiveness in the global market. In this context, he proposed the establishment of a joint database that includes studies and minerals present in the Arab region, especially in light of the daily development of mining industries. During his chairmanship of the ninth consultative meeting of Arab Ministers of Mineral Resources, hosted by Riyadh in conjunction with the third International Mining Conference, His Excellency explained that the world is currently witnessing an increase in global demand for minerals, driven by global trends toward net-zero targets and current and future industrial and technological development. Mineral resources are an economic tributary to national budgets, and their value increases with optimal utilization and the ability to process, concentrate, and produce them according to specifications appropriate for industries whose economic and industrial value increases. Al-Khorayef indicated that the Arab Ministerial Consultative Meeting is held based on the principle of cooperation and integration in all development fields that serve the Arab world in general, and the mining sector in particular. It also aims to explore ways to develop the mineral resources sector in Arab countries, increase its contribution to their national economies, and achieve Arab integration in this sector within the framework of joint Arab action. He added that the Kingdom's hosting of this meeting is part of its pioneering role and its constant commitment to supporting joint Arab efforts, enhancing their progress in all aspects, and benefiting from expertise and experience. The Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources reviewed the Kingdom's experience in developing the mining sector, which it relies on as one of the strategic options to diversify the economic base in accordance with the goals of "Saudi Vision 2030", and to increase its effective contribution in providing natural raw materials for mining industries and meeting the growing global demand for them. He indicated that signs of the Kingdom's maturity of the experience appeared when it launched the comprehensive mining strategy, which was built on three main axes. The first is increasing the discovery of the Kingdom's capabilities and natural resources. The second axis targets the legislative environment for the sector, while the third axis is linking the mining sector with the industrial sector to maximize economic returns.