Riyadh to host bootcamp for global mining innovation competition
Image used for illustrative purpose. Photo: SPA
Riyadh: Riyadh is getting ready to host an in-person bootcamp for the first Global Minerals Innovation Competition, known as Future Minerals Pioneers.
The event is held under the patronage of the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Alkhorayef, and led by Vice Minister for Mining Affairs Engineer Khalid bin Saleh Al-Mudaifer. It is organized by the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program in cooperation with the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and Saudi Arabian Mining Company.
The bootcamp will run from January 8 to January 10, 2026. It will bring together top teams from Saudi Arabia and more than 30 other countries. The goal is to support new ideas and young talent in the mining sector, which is a key part of Saudi Vision 2030.
This stage comes after a nationwide tour that started in October. The tour covered all regions of the Kingdom to find the best talents. It was sponsored by the Saudi Mining Services Company ESNAD. The journey will end with an awards ceremony during the fifth Future Minerals Forum on January 14, 2026.
The competition comes at a time when Saudi Arabia’s mining sector is growing fast. New laws, clear rules, and strong support have helped the Kingdom gain global attention. According to the 2024 report by Fraser Institute, Saudi Arabia jumped from 104th to 23rd place in the Mining Investment Attractiveness Index.
Other rankings also improved. The Policy Perception Index rose from 82nd to 20th, while the Geological Potential Index climbed from 58th to 24th. These results show rising global trust in Saudi Arabia’s mining future.
Saudi Arabia’s mineral wealth is now estimated at SAR 9.4 trillion. This growth is supported by a national geological survey program that is building a large and accurate database of mineral resources. So far, 65 percent of the first phase has been completed across the Arabian Shield, covering 630,000 square kilometers.
The Future Minerals Pioneers competition focuses on three main areas. These are smart technologies, safety and security, and sustainable use of resources. The aim is to find simple and practical solutions to challenges in the mining sector and support long-term growth.
Since its launch, the competition has attracted 1,812 applicants forming 371 teams from 57 countries. A total of 70 teams, with 356 participants, qualified for the final stage. About 68 percent are from Saudi Arabia, while 32 percent come from other countries, showing strong local talent and growing global interest.
The bootcamp will include training workshops, mentoring sessions, and hands-on work. These activities will help teams prepare their final ideas before presenting them to judges. The winners will be announced during the Future Minerals Forum, marking the final step of this global innovation journey.
