Riyadh: On the sidelines of the 2026 Future Minerals Forum (FMF), King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, launched a national initiative for innovation in mineral research. This initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies and enhance the competitiveness of Saudi Arabia's mining sector.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the initiative is designed to connect research and development with industrial applications, build national capacities, and localize advanced technologies. It aims to strengthen the integration of the innovation ecosystem in mining technologies, contributing to the development of sustainable and competitive mining value chains. This aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and national aspirations.
The initiative focuses on localizing and developing advanced mining technologies, supporting knowledge transfer, building national capacity, fostering the creation of emerging tech companies, and advancing technologies related to four critical minerals that underpin energy transition and strategic supply chains.
Additionally, the initiative intends to accelerate exploration and prospecting using digital modeling and AI, transform mining waste into sustainable economic resources, and enhance the readiness of technologies for industrial-level application.
KACST's efforts at the FMF included participating in the fifth Ministerial Roundtable of Mining Ministers, opening the Centers of Excellence roundtable in partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and Saudi Aramco, and signing three strategic partnerships with international academic and research institutions. These partnerships aim to support the Innovation Oasis and mining technology accelerators launched by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and led by KACST.
The partnerships include an agreement with the University of Exeter in the UK to localize mineral processing technologies and establish a national laboratory specializing in mineral processing. Cooperation with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in South Africa focuses on enhancing research collaboration and localizing automation and digital twin technologies for mines. The third agreement with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University aims to strengthen collaboration in smart exploration, mineral processing, and carbon emission reduction.
KACST's participation in the forum contributes to the advancement of scientific research, technological development, and innovation, alongside the localization of advanced mining technologies. This supports the establishment of a modern, sustainable mining ecosystem that achieves the goals of Vision 2030.
Source: Saudi Press Agency