Key Takeaways
- Australia–Saudi mining collaboration continues to accelerate following the partnerships established at Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2026 in Riyadh.
- Executive development programs delivered by The University of Queensland demonstrate early outcomes from the agreements signed with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and ESNAD.
- ASBC/F hosted the final Australian engagement for the ESNAD delegation, bringing together leaders from government, industry, education and the mining sector to explore future collaboration.
- The growing partnership is creating new opportunities across workforce development, knowledge exchange, innovation and industry capability while supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
- Australia is now preparing for its largest participation to date at Future Minerals Forum 2027.
From Strategic Agreements to Practical Outcomes
Less than six months after the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2026 in Riyadh, the Australia–Saudi mining partnership is already delivering tangible outcomes.
What began as a series of strategic agreements has quickly evolved into executive education programs, industry engagement and stronger institutional collaboration, demonstrating how Australia and Saudi Arabia are translating shared ambitions into practical initiatives.
The latest milestone came with the successful conclusion of the ESNAD delegation’s Australian visit, culminating in a high-level mining industry roundtable hosted by the Australian Saudi Business Council & Forum (ASBC/F) in Sydney.
The event highlighted the continued momentum generated through FMF 2026 and reinforced the shared commitment of both countries to developing long-term partnerships across mining, education, innovation and workforce capability.
Read our previous coverage: Future Minerals Forum 2026: Australia–Saudi Mining Partnership
Building on the Foundations Established at FMF 2026
Future Minerals Forum 2026 represented an important milestone for Australia–Saudi mining relations.
Bringing together government leaders, mining companies, investors, universities and industry organisations, the forum created new opportunities for collaboration as Saudi Arabia continues to develop one of the world’s fastest-growing mining sectors under Vision 2030.
During the forum, ASBC/F facilitated two significant Memoranda of Understanding that laid the foundation for long-term cooperation.
The first agreement, signed between The University of Queensland and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, focused on strengthening executive education, leadership development and knowledge exchange.
The second agreement, signed between ASBC/F and ESNAD, established a framework for collaboration across workforce development, industry engagement and executive capability.
Rather than representing standalone agreements, these partnerships were designed to create ongoing collaboration between Australian and Saudi organisations, combining Australia’s globally recognised expertise in mining, education and innovation with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plans to expand its mining industry.
Executive Education Strengthens Future Mining Leaders
One of the first outcomes of the FMF partnerships has been the successful delivery of two executive development programs by The University of Queensland.
The programs were delivered for:
- Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources
- ESNAD
The initiatives focused on executive leadership, strategic decision-making, innovation, mining best practice and knowledge exchange, helping equip Saudi professionals with the leadership capabilities required to support the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding mining sector.
Beyond technical expertise, the programs demonstrate Australia’s growing role in supporting institutional capability and leadership development across international mining markets.
The collaboration also highlights the contribution of Trade and Investment Queensland, with Commissioner Mr Kassem Younes PSM, GAICD playing an important role in strengthening education and skills partnerships between Australia and Saudi Arabia.
Together, these initiatives reinforce Australia’s position as a trusted partner not only in mining operations and technology, but also in developing the people and institutions that will lead the industry’s future.
Sydney Roundtable Brings Government, Industry and Education Together
To conclude the Australian program, ASBC/F hosted the final engagement for the ESNAD delegation through a high-level mining industry roundtable in Sydney.
The roundtable brought together representatives from:
- Australian mining companies
- Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) companies
- Government agencies
- Universities
- Industry organisations
Discussions focused on several strategic priorities shaping the future of mining collaboration between Australia and Saudi Arabia, including:
- Mining innovation and advanced technologies
- Workforce capability and leadership development
- Executive education and skills partnerships
- Industry collaboration and knowledge exchange
- Opportunities for research and institutional cooperation
- Long-term commercial partnerships across the mining value chain
More importantly, the discussions created opportunities for Australian organisations to engage directly with Saudi stakeholders, exchange expertise and explore future collaboration across education, mining services, innovation and workforce capability.
The roundtable demonstrated that Australia–Saudi engagement is expanding beyond investment discussions to include long-term partnerships centred on knowledge sharing, leadership development and industry capability.
Supporting Saudi Arabia's Mining Transformation
Mining has become a strategic pillar of Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification agenda under Vision 2030.
As the Kingdom continues to unlock its significant mineral resources and develop new mining projects, demand is growing for international expertise in workforce development, mining technologies, environmental management, innovation and executive leadership.
Australia is uniquely positioned to contribute to this transformation.
With decades of experience across mining operations, critical minerals, research, education and Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS), Australia offers capabilities that complement Saudi Arabia’s long-term development objectives.
Partnerships such as those between ASBC/F, The University of Queensland, ESNAD and the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources are helping create sustainable pathways for collaboration that extend beyond individual projects.
By investing in leadership, skills and institutional capability, both countries are laying the foundation for stronger long-term economic cooperation.
Opportunities for Australian Industry
The growing Australia–Saudi mining partnership also creates new opportunities for Australian organisations.
As collaboration continues to expand, Australian mining companies, METS providers, universities, research institutions and professional services firms are well positioned to contribute expertise across:
- Mining technologies and digital innovation
- Critical minerals and exploration
- Executive education and workforce development
- Research partnerships
- Environmental and sustainability practices
- Industry capability building
- Professional advisory services
These collaborations not only strengthen Australia’s commercial engagement with Saudi Arabia but also support the development of resilient, knowledge-driven partnerships that deliver mutual economic benefits.
A Collaborative Team Australia Approach
The rapid progress achieved since FMF 2026 reflects the strength of Australia’s collaborative approach to international engagement.
Government agencies, universities, industry bodies and private sector organisations have worked together to build meaningful relationships with Saudi partners, ensuring collaboration extends beyond individual organisations.
The Council acknowledged the continued contribution of Austrade’s Riyadh team, particularly:
- Abdulmonem Hakmi for his leadership across the mining sector
- Faisal Abdulhadi for advancing education partnerships
- Bernadette Archibald, Trade Commissioner, for strengthening Australia’s engagement with the Kingdom
ASBC/F also recognised the leadership of Trade and Investment Queensland, whose support has helped strengthen education and executive development initiatives between Australia and Saudi Arabia.
This coordinated approach demonstrates how Australia’s government, education and industry sectors can work together to support international partnerships that generate lasting outcomes.
Distinguished Leaders Reinforce Bilateral Cooperation
The delegation was led by Mr Fares Almutairi, whose commitment to developing Saudi talent continues to create meaningful opportunities for collaboration between Australian and Saudi organisations.
ASBC/F was honoured to welcome a distinguished group of government and industry leaders, including:
- His Excellency Mansour AlHuwaiti, Commercial Attaché of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Australia
- Councillor Ned Mannoun, Mayor of Liverpool City Council
- Tony Davis, Chief Executive Officer of Austmine
The Council also recognised Professor Nick Cook, Sally Allen and the entire team at The University of Queensland for their dedication to delivering executive education programs that are helping develop the next generation of Saudi mining leaders.
The participation of government representatives, universities, industry associations and private sector organisations reflects the growing breadth of Australia–Saudi cooperation and the shared commitment to building partnerships that deliver long-term value.
Looking Ahead to Future Minerals Forum 2027
With strong momentum established over the past six months, preparations are already underway for Future Minerals Forum 2027, where Australia is expected to field its largest delegation to date.
The delegation is anticipated to bring together federal and state governments, universities, industry associations, mining companies, METS providers and private sector leaders to further strengthen Australia’s engagement with Saudi Arabia.
The continued progress since FMF 2026 demonstrates that strategic agreements can deliver meaningful outcomes when supported by sustained collaboration between government, industry and academia.
From executive education and leadership development to industry engagement and knowledge exchange, the Australia–Saudi mining partnership is creating new opportunities for both countries while supporting the long-term growth of one of the world’s most dynamic mining sectors.
As preparations continue for FMF 2027, ASBC/F remains committed to facilitating partnerships that strengthen bilateral trade, encourage investment, develop future industry leaders and expand collaboration across mining, innovation and education for the benefit of Australia and Saudi Arabia.
