Riyadh, January 12, 2026, SPA -- The in-person bootcamp of the Future Minerals Pioneers Competition concluded in Riyadh from 8 to 10 January 2026, as part of the Global Minerals Innovation Competition. The bootcamp was held under the patronage of Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar AlKhorayef, and was organized by the Ministry in collaboration with the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP). The event took place during the Future Minerals Forum and attracted wide international participation. The bootcamp commenced on its first day with an opening led by Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mining Affairs Eng. Khalid bin Saleh Al-Mudaifer, who emphasized the importance of innovation as a fundamental pillar for the development of the mining sector. He highlighted the role of the competition in transforming promising ideas into practical solutions with tangible impact, noting that the participants represent an integrated ecosystem of enthusiasm, passion, and inspiration, working collectively toward a shared objective centered on innovation and the development of solutions that serve the future of the mining and minerals sector and enhance its readiness. The first day’s program also featured a keynote address by Chief Executive Officer of the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), Eng. Jameel bin Ahmed Al-Ghamdi, during which he outlined the strategic impact of the Future Minerals Pioneers initiative and its role in supporting the growth of the mining sector. He noted that the initiative extends beyond the sector, creating broader opportunities for innovation, integration, and growth across multiple industries. He further emphasized that, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom continues to advance the mining sector as a key driver of economic diversification, a catalyst for innovation, and a source of value creation, the third pillar of the Kingdom’s industrial economy.
The second day of the in-person bootcamp featured a visit from Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar AlKhorayef, who reviewed the participating teams' work and discussed their ideas and solutions with innovators. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s support for national and global talent and underscored the role of innovation in maximizing value creation within the mining sector. The bootcamp was also visited by President of the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani), Eng. Suleiman AlMazroua, who reviewed several projects as part of ongoing efforts to enhance integration between the mining ecosystem and supply chains and logistics services. Over the first two days, the bootcamp featured 13 specialized workshops delivered by partner organizations and mentorship sessions led by 30 mentors. These sessions focused on strengthening the projects' knowledge and technical foundations, refining proposed solutions, improving their readiness for implementation, and linking innovative ideas to real-world challenges across the mining and minerals value chain. The bootcamp concluded on its third day with the presentation of final projects, during which 70 qualified teams showcased their innovations before the judging panels. The projects underwent rigorous evaluation based on criteria including innovation, impact, applicability, and sustainability. The judging panels comprised 18 judges representing 16 local and international entities with expertise in mining, technology, investment, and innovation, ensuring the highest standards of governance and professionalism in the evaluation process. The third day also recognized the members of the judging panels for their role in supporting the competition, guiding participants, and selecting the most impactful, implementation-ready solutions in the mining and minerals sector. The Future Minerals Pioneers Competition comprises three main tracks designed to address key challenges within the mining sector. The Smart Technologies Track focuses on developing innovative solutions to enhance mining operation efficiency and strengthen regulatory compliance across mining communities. The Safety and Security Track aims to improve risk prevention at mining sites and advance occupational health and safety solutions, reducing incidents and enhancing working conditions. The Resource Sustainability Track promotes sustainable mining practices through challenges focused on circular mining and the transformation of waste into added-value resources. The winning teams and partner entities will be announced and honored on 14 January 2026, during the fifth edition of the Future Minerals Forum. This milestone will highlight the competition's outcomes, celebrate innovators, strengthen the mining and minerals sector's competitiveness, support Saudi Vision 2030 objectives, and reinforce the Kingdom’s position as a global platform for innovation in this vital sector.
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