The Minister of Industry and Mineral Wealth, Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-Kharif, chaired a roundtable meeting with top mining and industrial companies in Indonesia during his official visit to the Republic of Indonesia.
Al-Kharif emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Indonesia in the industrial and mining sectors to achieve sustainable development and economic diversity in both countries. He highlighted the strong historical relations between the two countries that pave the way for effective partnerships to exploit promising opportunities in the industrial and mining sectors. This would expand bilateral cooperation and support trade growth between Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, which reached approximately 25 billion riyals in 2023.
He explained that Vision 2030 is leading the economic transformation in Saudi Arabia and outlining a roadmap for the Kingdom to become a leading industrial power and a global center for mineral production and processing. Al-Kharif also showcased the qualitative opportunities provided by the national industrial strategy in various promising sectors, including food, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, aircraft parts, and heavy equipment, in addition to investment opportunities offered by the comprehensive mining strategy at all mining stages.
He highlighted the competitive advantages of the investment environment in Saudi Arabia, based on strategic factors such as its location connecting three continents, advanced infrastructure, competitive energy prices, ease of licensing issuance, and government procedure simplification. Furthermore, the industry and mining system provide capabilities and incentives to support industrial and mining investments, facilitating investors’ journey in both sectors.
Moreover, the Minister led a workshop with leaders of Indonesian mining companies to discuss enhancing mutual cooperation in the mining sector, exploring mining opportunities, and Saudi Arabia’s efforts to develop its mining sector to become a third pillar in the national industry. They also discussed accelerating the exploration of a mineral wealth estimated at around 2.5 trillion dollars.
The workshop included presentations on the comprehensive mining strategy, mining exploration areas, incentives, and possibilities directed towards mining sector investors, as well as the latest sustainable mining practices and the importance of promoting innovation and smart solutions in mining operations and mine management.
Al-Kharif invited workshop participants to attend the fifth edition of the International Mining Conference organized by the Ministry in Riyadh from January 13 to 15, 2026.
