DRC and Saudi Arabia Forge Collaborative Mining Ties at FMF24 Forum
In a significant development, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Saudi Arabia ratified a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on January 9, 2024, during the “Future Minerals Forum (FMF24)” in Riyadh, aimed at fostering cooperation in geological exploration, mining, environmental protection, and technology exchange.
The agreement, initiated by the Congolese Minister of Mines, Antoinette N’samba Kalambayi, and her Saudi counterpart, seeks to capitalize on the substantial mining potential of the DRC.
The FMF24 forum, which concluded on Thursday, January 11, gathered mining industry leaders, investors, policymakers, and experts from Africa, West and Central Asia.
Minister N’samba emphasized the strategic importance of the signed protocol, envisioning mutual benefits for both nations.
Expressing a desire for collaborative efforts, she highlighted the need for experts from specialized services within the Ministry of Mines and their Saudi counterparts to collectively chart a roadmap.
The forum aims to stimulate sustainable development in the mining sector, with the DRC actively participating to secure its position in the global critical minerals supply chain.
The overarching objective is to establish a regional framework for critical minerals, fostering resilient value chains, supporting the energy transition, and promoting industrial development across producing countries.
