Riyadh, January 14, 2026, SPA -- Riyadh today hosted the third International Geological Survey Meeting (IGSM), attracting a record number of leaders from geological survey authorities worldwide. The meeting, a key feature of the fifth Future Minerals Forum, was chaired by Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mining Affairs Eng. Khalid Almudaifer, and attended by CEO of Saudi Geological Survey Eng. Abdullah Al Shamrani. In his opening remarks, Almudaifer emphasized that the global mining sector fundamentally depends on reliable, easily accessible geological data, which he described as the most critical enabler for accelerating discoveries and attracting capital. He explained that the primary objective of the meeting was to develop practical solutions for collecting and digitally sharing geological data, not only to serve geologists, but also to enable artificial intelligence technologies to analyze these datasets. He stressed the need to address geological uncertainty and skills shortages, which he identified as among the most significant barriers to investment. The meeting, moderated by Eng. Abdullah Al Shamrani, focused on several key themes such as geological surveying capacity building. During the session, the participants reviewed two flagship initiatives, including the Common Global Geoscience Competency Framework (CGGCF), which seeks to harmonize skills standards, and the Geoscience Without Borders program, designed to facilitate expert exchange and bridge skills gaps across the Super Region of Africa, West and Central Asia, and Latin America. The second session focused on data, with participation from experts from BHP and the Saudi Geological Survey. Discussions explored ways to develop cost-effective digital geological data platforms that are accessible to all supplier countries and aligned with modern mining models. The third session addressed the role of Geological Centers of Excellence in creating global collaborative spaces to improve the precision of exploration targeting. The IGSM 2026 concluded with commitments to practical implementation initiatives, including adopting the global competency framework, launching a skills exchange program, and increasing investment in artificial intelligence to bridge critical data gaps. Almudaifer emphasized the importance of translating discussions into tangible actions through specialized working groups, tasked with delivering outcomes to present at the 2027 meeting. He noted that the future of mining depends on these solid geological foundations.
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