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Leaders Convene at 5th FMF for 3rd International Geological Survey Meeting to Harmonize Global Data Standards
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, January 2026 – Riyadh hosted the third International Geological Survey Meeting (IGSM), attracting a record number of leaders from geological survey authorities worldwide. The meeting, a key feature of the fifth Future Minerals Forum, was chaired by H.E. Eng. Khalid bin Saleh Al-Mudaifer, Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mining Affairs, and attended by Eng. Abdullah bin Muftar Al-Shamrani, CEO of Saudi Geological Survey.
- Maximizing economic value for producing countries
- Embedding sustainability for markets and local communities, and
- Strengthening institutional and technical readiness to enable effective policy implementation and governance
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He highlighted that infrastructure and exploration financing gaps remain among the most significant barriers to accelerating global mineral supply.
To address this, the Forum has adopted a solutions-oriented approach since its launch in 2022—moving beyond dialogue to action by developing funding models to assess global infrastructure needs and their economic impact, and by working with the World Bank to help mobilize multilateral and commercial capital for cross-border infrastructure projects.
The Forum is also supporting capacity building in producing countries through a Network of Centers of Excellence, coordinated by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST). The network focuses on technology, innovation, sustainability, and talent development, linking global expertise with local needs to help translate mineral potential into value-added, sustainable outcomes.
Eng. Al-Mudaifer added that the theme of the fifth edition reflects growing global recognition of minerals as enablers not only of industry but also of human progress, highlighting the need for actionable partnerships that turn shared ambition into measurable results.
Meanwhile, Ali Al-Mutairi, Executive Director of the Future Minerals Forum, said the Forum has, in just a few years, become a pivotal global platform bringing together governments and industry leaders to shape the future of the sector. He explained that the 2026 program is designed to balance two objectives:
- Deepening leadership-level dialogue
- Defining clear implementation pathways that move discussions from interest to evaluation and ultimately to commitment
Al-Mutairi noted that the Ministerial Roundtable, which headlines the Forum, continues to consolidate its position as the largest multilateral government-led gathering in the global mining and minerals sector. FMF 2026 is expected to bring together representatives from 100 countries and 70 international organizations to advance cooperation on supply chains, infrastructure financing, capacity building, and transparency and sustainability.
He added that the Forum will feature more than 400 speakers, with CEOs and senior leaders accounting for around 90% of participants, alongside executives from the automotive, energy, and data center industries. Over 50% speakers will be participating for the first time, reflecting the FMF’s ability to sustain the dialogue and attract new global voices.
FMF Director of Strategy, Program, and Content, Aldo Pennini, noted that this year’s program reflects the Forum’s growing maturity and a stronger emphasis on quality outcomes. Specialized tracks will convene investors, financiers, experts, and decision-makers to help convert opportunities into tangible partnerships and initiatives.
The Forum is expected to attract over 20,000 participants, including 75% from outside the Kingdom, as well as ministers, global mining leaders, international organizations, academic institutions, and financial entities.
Key program highlights include the Ministerial Roundtable; the launch of the “Future Minerals Barometer” report in partnership with McKinsey & Company; and several new initiatives, including the Mining Investment Journey; the Finance Gateway in partnership with Bank of Montreal (BMO); MinGen workshops targeting youth and women in mining;
the MinValley innovation and technology platform; and a refreshed Knowledge Exchange platform focused on geology, technology, sustainability, and skills development.
The Forum will also host a series of high-level specialized meetings, including the third gathering of heads of International Geological Survey organizations, the second meeting of Centers of Excellence, and over 13 Regional Leadership Roundtables for Africa, Central Asia, and Latin America, aimed at enhancing investment readiness and building more diversified, resilient global supply chains.