Riyadh, 13 Jan 2026

Report by Shahid Naeem

The global stage for sustainable resource development is now set in Riyadh, as the Fifth Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2026 officially opens its doors. Held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center, this landmark three-day event brings together the world’s leading minds to shape the future of minerals critical to the energy transition and global industrial growth.

With participation from over 170 countries, including more than 70 ministers, the forum has become a true epicenter of international collaboration. This year’s gathering is notably vibrant, hosting 18,000 attendees, 250+ speakers, and over 1,000 heads of global companies and industry leaders, alongside expansive international exhibitions and national pavilions.

The forum will continue until January 15, fostering dialogue and partnerships that aim to build resilient and responsible mineral value chains for the future.

Pakistan is prominently represented by a high-level delegation led by Federal Minister for Petroleum, Ali Pervaiz Malik. During the forum, Minister Malik delivered an address, participated in panel discussions, and visited the Pakistan Pavilion, where 13 Pakistani companies showcased mineral projects and investment opportunities.

In a significant bilateral meeting, Minister Malik sat down with Saudi Arabia's Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Ibrahim Al-Khareef. Both ministers agreed to deepen cooperation between their nations in the mineral and mining sectors. Minister Al-Khareef highlighted the vast potential for partnership, noting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s mineral sector development through technical and scientific expertise.

Minister Malik emphasized Pakistan’s largely untapped mineral wealth, particularly within the Tethys Belt, describing the massive Reko Diq project as just the beginning. He also pointed to ongoing collaboration between the Geological Survey of Pakistan and its Saudi counterpart, as well as promising opportunities for joint ventures in fertilizer production and medical equipment manufacturing.