Prime Highlights
- The US is seeking stronger mining partnerships with Saudi Arabia to boost innovation, attract investment, and strengthen energy security for both countries.
- The collaboration supports Saudi Arabia’s plan to become a major global mineral processing hub by 2030 with US technology and expertise.
Key Facts
- The US and Saudi Arabia established a strategic framework covering uranium, minerals, and critical mineral supply chains during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington.
- US companies are already investing in Saudi Arabia, including projects in rare earth processing, lithium development, and large-scale gold mining.
Background:
The United States is actively pursuing partnerships with Saudi Arabia in high-quality mining projects as part of efforts to strengthen critical minerals supply chains and enhance energy security, according to a senior US energy official.
Speaking to Al-Eqtisadiah on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum 2026, US Assistant Secretary of Energy Audrey Robertson said Washington sees Saudi Arabia as a key partner after the Kingdom created a favorable investment environment for mineral development.
Robertson highlighted that several US companies have already made significant investments in Saudi Arabia’s critical minerals sector, helping to build supply chains that support faster commercialization, improved logistics, and long-term stability for both countries.
“These partnerships are accelerating innovation and attracting private capital into the sector,” she said, adding that collaboration will strengthen energy security while supporting industrial growth.
The push builds on a strategic framework agreed in November during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington, where the two countries committed to cooperation in uranium, minerals, permanent magnets, and critical minerals supply chains.
Robertson said the US–Saudi Arabia Energy and Minerals Partnership reflects a shared vision to expand global energy capacity through the responsible development of mineral resources, mining, and manufacturing in both nations. She said Saudi Arabia’s goal to become a leading global mineral processor by 2030 matches well with US investment and technical know-how.
She added that careful and coordinated investment is important, especially since critical mineral markets can change quickly. “Allied nations must work together to ensure secure and reliable supply,” she said, pointing to past cooperation frameworks that demonstrate mutual commitment to supply chain resilience.
Robertson also underscored recent US-backed projects in the Kingdom, including a joint venture between MP Materials and Maaden to establish a rare earth minerals refinery, Albemarle’s lithium processing initiatives, and Bechtel’s $104 million contract for Saudi Arabia’s largest gold mining project.
She said US expertise and technology can help Saudi Arabia improve mineral exploration, mining, processing, refining, and sustainable practices.
She concluded that the development of new mineral processing centers in the Kingdom will not only strengthen supply chains but also foster innovation and create a more balanced and competitive global minerals market.
