The forum will open on 10 January with the Ministerial Roundtable - an event for high-level government delegations and non-governmental organisations involved in the mining sector.

With over 200 speakers, among the subjects to be addressed at the two-day event on January 11-12 include the global outlook and future of mining, the sector's critical role in the energy transition, and the contribution of mining to the development of societies.

FMF will also discuss emerging mining opportunities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the wider region that stretches from Africa to Western and Central Asia. 

"Aware of the global challenges we face if the world cannot meet the growing demand for minerals and metals required to transition to clean energy, in Saudi Arabia, we are keen to leverage our rich geological resources to deliver a secure, reliable, and responsible supply of minerals and metals to the world. We believe that together with the wider region, we can be a key enabler of a decarbonised economy while supporting sustainable economic development," Saudi Arabia vice-minister for mining affairs Khalid Al-Mudaifer said.

"That's why we are gathering mining leaders to convene, discuss and explore the new metals and minerals hub emerging from Africa to Western and Central Asia.

"The immense mineral resources contained in these regions are critical to supporting the socio-economic development of the region's communities and the global circular carbon economy. The forum will provide investors and other international mining industry stakeholders with in-depth insights into the value propositions these regions hold."

Speakers include BHP CEO Mike Henry, Rio Tinto chairman Dominic Barton, Barrick Gold CEO Mark Bristow, Antofagasta CEO Ivan Arriagada, Ivanhoe Mines founder Robert Friedland, Alcoa CEO Roy Harvey and BlackRock's Evy Hambro.

FMF organisers are expecting more than 13,000 participants from over 100 countries.