US seeks mining partnerships with Saudi Arabia, energy official says

16/01/2026 02:03 AST

The US is seeking partnerships with Saudi Arabia in high-quality mining projects after creating a suitable investment environment, according to Assistant Secretary of Energy Audrey Robertson.

In an interview with Al-Eqtisadiah on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum 2026, Robertson pointed to recent investments by US companies in developing the supply chain for critical minerals in the Kingdom.

She said these partnerships are expected to accelerate innovation and attract complementary private capital into the sector, driving faster commercialization, improving supply chain management, and enhancing energy security for both countries.

This aligns with developments in November, when during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to Washington the two nations established a strategic framework for cooperation in uranium, minerals, permanent magnets, and critical minerals supply chains.

"The US-Saudi Arabia Energy and Minerals Partnership reinforces our shared vision of adding energy to the global economy by stimulating the development of critical minerals resources, mining, and manufacturing in both countries," Robertson said.

She added that as the Kingdom aims to become one of the world's largest mineral processors by 2030, its growing partnership with the US - alongside the country's involvement and investment in Saudi Arabia - will help achieve this goal.

During the interview, Robertson highlighted that developing critical minerals offers numerous opportunities for coordinated and prudent investment.

"It is essential to seize these opportunities. Given that critical mineral markets are prone to sharp price fluctuations, allied nations should collaborate on investment strategies to ensure security of supply," she said, adding that historical agreements such as the Critical Minerals Framework demonstrate the US commitment to cooperation, and that Saudi Arabia has also shown its commitment to securing the mineral supply chain.

The energy secretary added: "These industries require not only innovative technology but also prudent capital. Combining these two elements can lead to breakthroughs that transform how we extract, process, and refine critical minerals, setting us on a path to a more secure energy future."

Robertson also said that in recent years there have been significant investments by US companies in developing the critical minerals supply chain in the Kingdom.

She noted that these include a joint venture between MP Materials and Maaden to establish a rare earth minerals refinery in Saudi Arabia, Albemarle's exploration of lithium processing development, and Bechtel securing a $104 million contract for the Kingdom's largest gold mining project.

"We are committed to continuing to create the right conditions for joint investments of this kind between our two countries," she said.

On the role of US expertise and technology, Robertson said they can support the development of Saudi Arabia's mineral resources across several key areas, including exploration and extraction, processing and refining, and sustainable mining practices.

Looking ahead to future cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the US in the mining sector, she said that over the next decade the two countries could move from existing framework agreements to a robust network of joint ventures, integrated supply chains, and collaborative research and development.

She also projected a significant increase in bilateral investment and the consolidation of Saudi Arabia's position as a major hub for mineral processing and manufacturing.

Addressing intense global competition for critical minerals, Robertson believes it has become one of the most prominent geopolitical and economic challenges today.

"These materials are the building blocks of the 21st-century economy and enable us to build the future we envision," the official said.

Robertson emphasized that extraction, processing, and refining capabilities for critical materials - such as rare earth elements, graphite, and cobalt - are often concentrated in one or a few countries.

This concentration, she said, makes global supply chains vulnerable to disruption and underscores the need to diversify and secure vital mineral supplies.

"Our strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia is a direct and forward-looking response to this reality. By collaborating with countries that possess vast mineral resources and aspire to develop them with American partners, we are actively building a more secure, resilient, and diversified global market," Robertson said.

She said the strategy would not only secure national resources but also help establish stable, transparent, and reliable supply chains capable of supporting global economic growth and prosperity, while advancing shared energy security goals.

"The emergence of new mineral processing centers, such as those being established in Saudi Arabia, will foster innovation and ultimately lead to a more balanced and competitive global market," she concluded.

Arab News