The Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden) on Wednesday announced during the opening of the Future Minerals Forum the signing of a joint venture (JV) agreement to establish a new company. The new firm aims to invest in mining assets globally to secure strategic minerals that are essential for Saudi Arabia’s industrial development as well as the resilience of global supply chains. The company will be incorporated after obtaining approvals from the relevant authorities, and satisfying certain conditions of the JV agreement. Ma’aden will own 51% and PIF will own 49% of the company. The company’s capital will amount to $50 million. The company aims to initially invest in iron ore, copper, nickel, and lithium as a non-operating partner taking minority equity positions. This will provide physical offtake of critical minerals to ensure supply security for domestic mineral downstream sectors, and position Saudi Arabia as a key partner in achieving global supply-chain resilience. Deputy Governor and Head of MENA Investments at PIF Yazeed Alhumied said: “PIF and Ma’aden combine extensive investment expertise with deep sector knowledge. “The new company will significantly contribute to strengthening Saudi Arabia’s strategic position as an important link in the global supply chain in line with PIF’s strategy to further grow key industries. “As a catalyst of Vision 2030, PIF continues to drive the growth of new sectors, and companies while contributing to job creation, technology transfer and localizing knowledge to build a prosperous and sustainable economy in Saudi Arabia.” Ma’aden CEO Robert Wilt said, “This is a significant step for Ma’aden as we develop the mining sector in Saudi Arabia and position the Kingdom as a key ally in securing the metals of the future. “The global energy transition relies on the strategic minerals needed for renewable energy and battery storage, and our focus on these will give us a foothold in the global commodity value chain, where major supply constraints are combined with growing demand.” “We are proud to be playing a leading role in the economic diversification and growth of Saudi Arabia, building the talent pool and securing the future for the country, as we help deliver Vision 2030,” he added. — SPA