Riyadh: The 10th Consultative Meeting of Arab Ministers concerned with mineral resources commenced yesterday, organized by the Arab Industrial Development, Standardization and Mining Organization (AIDSMO) along with the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources of Saudi Arabia. This meeting coincides with the Future Minerals Forum, hosted in Riyadh from January 13 to 15, under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. It includes participation from Arab ministers, officials, and experts from 19 Arab countries, alongside a representative from the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States.
According to Saudi Press Agency, AIDSMO Director General Eng. Adel Al-Saqr expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their support of joint Arab initiatives and emphasized the organization's commitment to implementing programs that align with ministerial directives. The meeting reviewed several technical initiatives aimed at maximizing the utilization of Arab mineral resources and enhancing integration in their value chains.
Al-Saqr announced the launch of the Arab Digital Library for Mining Studies, a knowledge resource prepared by AIDSMO to support decision-makers and researchers. He reiterated AIDSMO's dedication to high-quality activities aligned with member states' aspirations.
Assistant Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Ambassador Mohammed Saleh Al-Ajiri, highlighted the consultative meetings as a pivotal platform for developing the sector and enhancing cooperation among member states. He acknowledged AIDSMO's efforts to implement previous recommendations and develop tangible activities that bolster the Arab mining sector, a key economic pillar in the region.
Al-Ajiri also commended AIDSMO's integration of AI technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability, its role in organizing relevant events, and its efforts to coordinate Arab positions in international forums.
Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Alkhorayef, praised AIDSMO's role in coordinating among Arab nations in the mineral resources sector. He highlighted the launch of the Arab Platform for Future Minerals as a step toward digitizing investment opportunities and showcasing geological potential with transparency.
Alkhorayef discussed Saudi Arabia's initiatives in the mining sector, aligning with Vision 2030, which positions mining as a central industry pillar. He noted substantial investments in geological surveys and reassessments, estimating the value of mineral resources at approximately SAR9.37 trillion.
The meeting also reviewed AIDSMO's achievements in the mineral resources sector.