Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom strengthen cooperation on critical minerals

With an estimated $2.5 trillion in untapped mineral reserves, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global powerhouse in the mining sector. The state-owned Ma’aden company is developing new mining sites for minerals such as copper, iron, lead, and zinc while also investing in domestic electric vehicle production and renewable energy projects. Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef emphasized the scale of the opportunity, stating that $6 trillion in investments will be required over the next decade to meet the growing demand for critical minerals. Saudi Arabia aims to be at the forefront of this transformation.

The United Kingdom, in line with its Critical Minerals Strategy, is expanding cooperation with Saudi Arabia to ensure supply chain security in this sector. UK Industry Minister Sarah Jones highlighted the increasing importance of critical minerals for artificial intelligence, clean energy, and advanced technologies, describing the agreement as a significant economic and strategic opportunity. Additionally, UK mining company Vedanta Resources has announced a $2 billion investment in Saudi Arabia to establish a copper processing facility, further contributing to the region’s industrial transformation.

At the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and the UK signed a major agreement to strengthen global critical mineral supply chains and deepen economic collaboration. The deal focuses on securing key minerals such as copper, lithium, and nickel. While Saudi Arabia accelerates efforts to diversify its economy under Vision 2030, the UK seeks to ensure access to essential raw materials for its clean energy transition and industrial technology sectors.

Saudi Arabia’s strategic location at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East enhances its potential to become a regional hub for critical mineral supply. The Kingdom is expanding mining partnerships with countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Morocco, and Turkey. Experts suggest that the Saudi-UK partnership is a crucial step toward creating a secure and sustainable global supply chain while attracting new investments to the sector.