The second Future Minerals Forum (FMF), hosted by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of 
Industry and Mineral Resources, is publishing a range of academic papers into 
the future of mining and the ways in which the industry might reform.

The theme is explored in a challenging report by Peter Bryant, chair of both 
the Development Partner Institute, and Clareo. He argues that mining must 
reform itself in fundamental ways: how it extracts minerals and metals; 
presents itself to the world, and explains its role in fighting climate change 
and contributing to the goal of net zero emissions.   

The paper urges the minerals and metals industry to continue deep research and 
champion innovation not only in order to boost performance and sustainability 
in mining techniques but also to reduce the impact on the environment. Now is 
the time to reach out further to educate the public that mining is integral to 
the fight against climate change.

While society increasingly demands clean energy, many people do not realise 
that the raw materials needed to power electric vehicles, microchips, solar 
panels and rechargeable batteries, all come from the extraction of precious 
minerals and metals like lithium, cobalt, copper and graphite. Without copper, 
for example, windfarms cannot operate.

Sitting on untapped mineral reserves of $1.3 trillion, Saudi Arabia could 
spearhead new thinking by embracing new mining techniques, and as a direct 
consequence, extend its caring image to  reconnect the global industry with 
communities and stakeholders, convincing them of the fundamental benefits that 
minerals and metals bring. "We need to turbo-charge the investment in 
innovation to position mineral development as the catalyst for economic 
prosperity", the paper urges.

Mr Bryant argues that mining must be more of a "giver" than a "taker". It must 
take bigger steps to show communities, governments and stakeholders how the 
industry benefits societies, boosts decarbonization and fights climate change.

A global roadmap will create the foundation and necessary partnerships for 
strong strategy and clear action. This approach assures that the burdens are 
not carried by those who can least afford to bear them, and that the benefits 
do not go to a chosen few. Instead, it will create long-term, equitable, and 
sustainable prosperity.

Media Contact:
Omar Shereen
omar.shereen@fleishman.com
+966 50 663 0489

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Source - Future Minerals Forum