Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia are exploring new opportunities to deepen cooperation in the mining and metallurgy sector, as both countries seek to strengthen their positions in global supply chains and unlock the potential of their vast natural resources.

Speaking at the 16th Astana Mining & Metallurgy Congress (AMM 2026), Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, highlighted the strong potential for closer collaboration between the two nations in subsoil use, mineral processing, and industrial development, The Caspian Post reports via Kazinform.

The minister described mining and metallurgy as strategic industries for Saudi Arabia, requiring significant investment, advanced technologies, and efficient logistics networks. He noted that Kazakhstan has emerged as a key player in the global mining sector thanks to its rich mineral reserves, strategic geographic location, developed infrastructure, and competitive energy resources.

Al-Khorayef emphasized that cooperation between the two countries could create new opportunities across the value chain. While Saudi Arabia possesses substantial mineral resources and processing capabilities, Kazakhstan remains one of the region’s leading producers of agricultural products and an important source of raw materials.

The minister said that resources extracted in Kazakhstan could potentially be processed in Saudi Arabia, creating added value and improving competitiveness in international markets. At the same time, both governments are focused on creating favorable conditions for private companies to lead joint ventures and investment projects.

The strong interest in expanding ties was reflected in Saudi Arabia’s large delegation to the congress, which included representatives from government institutions and the private sector. Their participation signals Riyadh’s readiness to move beyond discussions and begin developing concrete initiatives with Kazakh partners.

The talks come as Kazakhstan continues efforts to attract international investment into its mining industry and expand cooperation with major global players. With growing demand for critical minerals and industrial raw materials worldwide, a partnership between Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia could open new opportunities for investment, technology transfer, and value-added production.

The discussions took place during AMM 2026, one of the region’s leading industry forums, attended by government officials, business leaders, and mining experts from around the world.