The Future Minerals Forum (FMF), the world’s leading gathering on minerals, is set to host a significant event in January 2025. The fourth edition of the forum, convened by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, will bring together the largest gathering of International Geological Surveys and inaugural Centers of Excellence meetings. These meetings will take place on January 14th at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The International Geological Survey Meeting, first held at the 2024 edition of the FMF, brings together geological survey leaders from across the globe. The meeting will focus on the Super Region, spanning from Africa to West and Central Asia, and will also include representatives from prominent historical geological survey data reservoirs like the US Geological Survey, the British Geological Survey, BRGM of France, and GTK of Finland.
The primary objectives of the meeting are:
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Boosting Capacity in Geological Surveying:
The meeting aims to enhance geological surveying capabilities across the Super Region, attracting greater investment in exploration efforts.*
Harnessing Digital Technologies:
Participants will explore the use of cutting-edge digital technologies and artificial intelligence to pinpoint mineral deposits with greater precision. This will facilitate the sharing of valuable geological information with investors and the wider public.*
Establishing a Regional Center of Excellence:
The meeting will pave the way for the creation of a regional center of excellence, dedicated to driving innovation, fostering skills development, and promoting the deployment of new technologies in the field of geological surveying.The FMF will also host the inaugural Centers of Excellence meeting. This gathering will bring together renowned institutes, universities, and leading experts from across the world to foster a regional network of centers of excellence. This initiative aims to build capacity in the Super Region, specifically focusing on technology incubation, acceleration, and large-scale deployment. By establishing these centers, the region will strive to remain at the forefront of global mineral and resource innovation.
The need for these meetings is underscored by the increasingly urgent challenges faced in the minerals industry. With dwindling mineral resources, insufficient investment in exploration, and a lack of major new discoveries, the world is facing a critical need to invest in geological research and innovation. The FMF’s initiative is a critical step towards ensuring that the world can meet its growing demands for minerals while also fostering sustainable practices and advancements in the field of geology.
The FMF’s focus on collaboration, innovation, and capacity building offers a beacon of hope for the future of mineral exploration and sustainable resource management. The upcoming meetings are expected to generate significant momentum in the industry, fostering a new era of progress and discovery in the field of geology.