JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia and the US are set to strengthen mining ties as the Kingdom’s industry minister met the US energy secretary to explore joint opportunities in critical minerals and supply chains.
Bandar Alkhorayef held a bilateral meeting with Chris Wright to discuss ways of enhancing mining cooperation during his official trip to the US. The meeting was attended by Saleh Al-Sulami, CEO of the National Industrial Development Center, along with several officials from both sides, according to a statement by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources.
The two officials underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration to support critical mineral supply chains, which are witnessing increasing global demand. They also agreed to bolster critical minerals cooperation to enhance global supply chain resilience.
The talks come as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 seeks to expand its mining sector, valued at SR9.4 trillion ($2.5 trillion), and diversify its economy beyond oil and become a global hub for critical minerals.
“At the beginning of my official visit to the US, I met with His Excellency the US Secretary of Energy, and we discussed ways to enhance cooperation between our two countries in the industrial and mining sectors, in addition to exchanging technical knowledge and expertise, in a manner that contributes to supporting the global industrial transformation and the sustainability of supply chains,” Alkhorayef said in a post on his X account.
The meeting was held within the framework of a memorandum of cooperation signed in May between the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and the US Department of Energy on the sidelines of the Saudi-US Investment Forum in Riyadh.
Alkhorayef emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to improving the investment environment for mining, enhancing its attractiveness, and simplifying regulatory procedures as part of ongoing efforts to explore and exploit mineral resources and maximize their contribution to economic diversification.
Wright highlighted Saudi Arabia’s significant role and influence in the global mining sector, stressing the importance of strengthening international cooperation, expanding public-private partnerships, and accelerating the adoption of advanced mining technologies to foster sustainable growth.
The meeting also highlighted the Future Minerals Forum that the Kingdom annually hosts, which serves as a global platform for decision-makers, non-government organizations, and investors, as well as mining technology companies and research institutions to develop innovative solutions for sector challenges and promote sustainability.
Alkhorayef invited Wright to participate in the fifth edition of the event, scheduled to be held in the Saudi capital from Jan. 13 to 15 2026.
During his visit, the Saudi minister toured the Research Triangle Park in North Carolina, which also included the SAS Institute for Artificial Intelligence, the Center for Additive Manufacturing and Logistics, and the Energy X Laboratory for Clean Energy Solutions.
Alkhorayef also held a meeting with the US minister of commerce in North Carolina, during which they discussed prospects for industrial integration, attracting quality investments, and enabling access for Saudi non-oil exports to US markets.
