Jan 15, 2026

Engaging in Global Dialogue at the Future Minerals Forum

From January 13 to 15, 2026, KFUPM returned to Riyadh to take part in the annual Future Minerals Forum (FMF), reaffirming its active presence at one of the Kingdom’s most influential platforms in the industrial sector. Now in its 4th edition, FMF was held under the theme “Dawn of a Global Cause: Minerals for a New Age of Development,” bringing global attention to the evolving role of minerals in economic and industrial development.

The forum convened senior government representatives, industry leaders, investors, academics, and nongovernmental organizations from across the mineral value chain. Its focus remained on advancing responsible and resilient mineral supply systems through dialogue, coordination, and shared expertise.

KFUPM’s participation extended across several facets of the forum. University representatives engaged in strategic discussions and technical exchanges with key stakeholders in the Kingdom’s mining sector, including Ma’aden and the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources. These conversations centered on emerging technologies and their relevance to academic curricula and research agendas, reinforcing the alignment between national mining priorities and university-led education and research.

At the leadership level, Dr. Ali Alyousef, Dean of the College of Petroleum Engineering & Geosciences (CPG), participated in the FMF 2026 Centers of Excellence Roundtable. The session brought together more than 50 national and international experts to examine priority areas within the Kingdom’s expanding minerals ecosystem. Discussions addressed the transfer of subsurface expertise from hydrocarbons to mining, cross-sector enablement, improved traceability and transparency, and the development of national human capital to support the future mining sector.

Student engagement formed a central component of KFUPM’s presence at FMF. More than 35 students from the newly launched Mining Science and Engineering Program, sponsored by Ma’aden and the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, took part in a range of activities throughout the forum. A highlight was the Future Mining Generation League, a multi-day competition organized by the Ministry of Industry that brought together students from universities across the Kingdom. A KFUPM team comprising Raghad Al-Haddad, Mohammad Al-Bahsain, and Salman Al-Amir won first place, demonstrating strong technical skill, creativity, and effective collaboration.

Beyond competition success, KFUPM students benefited from sustained interaction with industry leaders and exposure to international perspectives. These exchanges provided practical insight into how global mining companies assess opportunities and manage operational and strategic challenges. Collectively, the students’ performance and professional conduct highlighted the depth of talent emerging from KFUPM’s mining programs.

KFUPM’s exhibition booth also attracted significant interest from forum participants. Visitors were introduced to the university’s Mining Science and Engineering Program and its ongoing research and development activities supporting the Kingdom’s growing mining ecosystem. The booth functioned primarily as an academic engagement platform, welcoming interest and discussions from prospect faculty members and researchers. It also enabled constructive dialogue with local and international universities active in the mining field, exploring collaboration opportunities such as visiting professorships, student exchanges, and joint research initiatives.

The forum provided a timely setting for KFUPM to showcase its alignment with national mining ambitions while engaging directly with global and regional stakeholders. Through its academic leadership, student talent, and research, the university’s presence at FMF 2026 reinforced its capabilities in supporting the Kingdom’s ambitions.