Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Alkhorayef, held talks with U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright to explore ways of strengthening mining collaboration and expanding opportunities in the critical minerals sector.
The two officials underscored the importance of advancing joint efforts to secure critical mineral supply chains amid growing global demand. Their discussions built on the Memorandum of Cooperation signed in May 2025 between the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and the U.S. Department of Energy, on the sidelines of the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum in Riyadh.
Minister Alkhorayef reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to improving the investment climate in the mining sector by streamlining regulations and enhancing transparency. He noted that these initiatives form part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to unlock its mineral wealth and accelerate economic diversification.
Secretary Wright recognized Saudi Arabia’s influential role in the global mining industry, stressing the need for stronger international cooperation, greater public-private partnerships, and wider adoption of advanced mining technologies to foster sustainable growth.
The meeting also highlighted the significance of the Future Minerals Forum, an annual event hosted by Saudi Arabia that brings together global leaders, investors, NGOs, technology innovators, and research institutions. The forum serves as a platform to address challenges facing the sector and to promote sustainable, forward-looking solutions.
Alkhorayef concluded the talks by inviting Secretary Wright to attend the fifth edition of the Future Minerals Forum, scheduled to take place in Riyadh on January 13, 2026.
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