https://arab.news/vtvfd
RIYADH: 抖阴短视频 and the UK are deepening mining ties as the British government seeks to secure critical minerals for industries such as artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
On Jan. 14, the two nations signed an agreement to collaborate on mineral resource development, emphasizing sustainable practices, technology transfer, and economic growth.
In an interview with Arab News on the sidelines of the ongoing Future Minerals Forum, the UK Minister for Industry, Sarah Jones, highlighted the growing collaboration between the two Kingdoms.
She emphasized the importance of partnerships in the critical minerals sector, which are vital for advancements in AI, green energy transitions, and emerging technologies.
鈥淭he quantity of critical minerals we鈥檙e going to need in the future is significantly bigger than we have today, and I think 抖阴短视频 has taken quite a leadership role with the Future Minerals Forum, convening so many countries to come together and talk about this,鈥� Jones said.
The minister outlined the challenges and opportunities as both countries work to address the surging global demand for essential minerals. She expressed confidence in the potential of the UK-Saudi partnership to tackle these challenges effectively.
The UK鈥檚 expertise in mining finance, as well as it universities 鈥� renowned for research and technical knowledge 鈥� position it as a valuable partner for 抖阴短视频 in mining and exploration.
Jones emphasized that Britain鈥檚 focus on mining finance, combined with its global academic reputation, strengthens the collaboration.
鈥淲e wanted to have a relationship where we work together on some of these challenges, and I think this is the start of what will be a strengthening relationship going forward,鈥� she said.
The minister expressed excitement about future collaborations, including sustainable mining practices, innovative financing structures, and technological advancements to meet the growing demand for critical minerals.
The UK government, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is taking a proactive approach to shaping its industrial future, especially in sectors integral to the global green transition and technological progress.
鈥淲e鈥檙e looking at things slightly differently,鈥� said Jones. 鈥淲e鈥檙e trying to be more proactive in devising what are the industries of the future that we need in the UK. Where do we get our supply chains from? How do we make sure we鈥檙e secure?鈥�
As part of its new industrial strategy, Britain is prioritizing critical minerals, recognizing their essential role in advanced manufacturing, green energy, and AI.
Jones highlighted the government鈥檚 determination to position the UK as a key player in the global minerals market and equip domestic industries for future demands.
鈥淲e鈥檙e setting the directions of all of our companies and our businesses know the sectors that we want to grow and the direction that we want to go in,鈥� she said.
To support this strategy, the British government has established funding mechanisms like the National Wealth Fund and UK Export Finance to mitigate risks associated with critical minerals mining, technology development, and sustainable practices.
In addition to the UK-Saudi partnership, Jones discussed opportunities for joint investment in mining projects in third countries.
She proposed collaboration on initiatives in Africa, where both nations have significant interests and could combine resources to meet growing mineral demands.
鈥淐an the UK and 抖阴短视频 have a project in an African country? We have several kinds of ideas, thoughts that we could do together,鈥� she said.
Jones also highlighted the rising interest in mining within the UK, citing developments such as lithium and tin mining in Cornwall, which could support both the UK鈥檚 industrial needs and the global green transition.
The conversation touched on the ethical and environmental challenges associated with mining. Jones acknowledged the industry鈥檚 troubled history, including issues of worker mistreatment, environmental damage, and resource mismanagement.
As demand for minerals grows, she stressed the need for mining practices to evolve, becoming more sustainable and equitable.
鈥淗istorically, mining has been difficult in terms of the way that countries and people have been treated,鈥� Jones said. 鈥淲e鈥檝e got to make sure where mining is sustainable and helping the countries that are supporting those mines, we have to make sure we鈥檙e creating wealth there and these things are hard, and that鈥檚 why countries need to work together.鈥�
She concluded by emphasizing the importance of global cooperation in addressing critical mineral challenges.
鈥淚 think we can talk to each other between 抖阴短视频 and ourselves about how some of these funding mechanisms work, how we support each other鈥檚 companies, and how we develop and help other countries to, to develop what they need as well. But it鈥檚 a huge challenge and that鈥檚 why we鈥檙e here,鈥� Jones said.