Saudi Arabia’s Industry and Mineral Resources Minister, Bandar AlKhorayef, has wrapped up a visit to Chile, where he engaged in discussions with key officials from both the private and public sectors to enhance bilateral cooperation. The talks, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency, centered on advancing knowledge transfer, adopting innovative mining technologies and exploring investment opportunities in mineral production and processing, with a focus on lithium, copper and iron ore.
During his visit, AlKhorayef met with Chile’s Mining Minister Aurora Williams to discuss potential collaborations in sectors with significant export and import potential, such as chemicals, auto parts and electronics. He also extended an invitation to Williams to attend the International Mining Conference’s ministerial roundtable in Riyadh this January.
In meetings with Chile’s Finance Minister Mario Marcel, AlKhorayef explored ways to boost trade relations and discussed Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to become a leader in the electric vehicle industry. They reviewed the National Industrial Strategy and the Kingdom’s mining strategy, highlighting mutual interests and objectives.
AlKhorayef also spoke with Acting Economy, Development, and Tourism Minister Veronica Pardo about investment opportunities and the Saudi Vision 2030 economic diversification plan. They examined the potential to increase Saudi Arabia’s phosphate fertilizer exports to Chile, crucial for agricultural food security.
Further engagements included discussions with Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Gloria de la Fuente and a roundtable with Chile’s industrial federation, SOFOFA, featuring representatives from major mining companies. AlKhorayef met with Ruben Alvarado, CEO of CODELCO, one of the world’s largest copper producers, to discuss investment prospects in lithium and copper production. CODELCO is involved in a partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Almar Water Solutions, focusing on processing materials for electric vehicle batteries.
The visit also included meetings with leaders from Chilean and multinational mining companies such as Antofagasta, SQM, Advanced Mining Technology Center and Anglo American Mining Control Center, underscoring the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening ties and expanding investment in the mining sector.
