emirates7 - The Mining Show 2024 commenced today under the patronage of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), bringing together governments, businesses, and investors to collaborate and discuss the latest advancements in the mining sector.
In his opening address, Saif Ghubash, Assistant Undersecretary for Petroleum, Gas, and Mineral Resources at MoEI, stated, "Our world is at a pivotal moment. The demand for critical minerals, especially those essential to the energy transition, is rapidly increasing as we collectively strive toward clean energy and a sustainable future.
"Lithium, copper, and cobalt have evolved beyond being mere elements on the periodic table. They are the essential components driving the energy systems of tomorrow, fueling electric vehicles, renewable energy grids, and groundbreaking technologies that will define the next century."
Ghubash revealed that the UAE is developing its first-ever Mineral Resources Strategy, a comprehensive plan aimed at advancing the mining sector. The strategy targets increasing the sector’s contribution to the UAE’s non-oil GDP to 5% by 2030 and boosting the presence of mining companies in the country by 10%.
"Our approach to this transformation is firmly rooted in sustainability and responsible practices," he emphasized.
Highlighting the UAE’s industrial progress, Ghubash noted that industrial exports have risen by 61%, reaching AED 187 billion by the close of 2023. Over the past three years, the industrial sector’s contribution to the national GDP has grown by 55%, reaching AED 205 billion.
He further explained, "The UAE’s vision extends beyond its borders. We are investing in critical mineral resources in Africa and Latin America, securing vital supplies of lithium and copper—not solely for our own needs, but for a world reliant on these resources to achieve sustainability. These initiatives align with a larger objective: to establish a secure, Emirati-led supply chain encompassing exploration, production, and trade, supporting the global energy transition."
In his opening address, Saif Ghubash, Assistant Undersecretary for Petroleum, Gas, and Mineral Resources at MoEI, stated, "Our world is at a pivotal moment. The demand for critical minerals, especially those essential to the energy transition, is rapidly increasing as we collectively strive toward clean energy and a sustainable future.
"Lithium, copper, and cobalt have evolved beyond being mere elements on the periodic table. They are the essential components driving the energy systems of tomorrow, fueling electric vehicles, renewable energy grids, and groundbreaking technologies that will define the next century."
Ghubash revealed that the UAE is developing its first-ever Mineral Resources Strategy, a comprehensive plan aimed at advancing the mining sector. The strategy targets increasing the sector’s contribution to the UAE’s non-oil GDP to 5% by 2030 and boosting the presence of mining companies in the country by 10%.
"Our approach to this transformation is firmly rooted in sustainability and responsible practices," he emphasized.
Highlighting the UAE’s industrial progress, Ghubash noted that industrial exports have risen by 61%, reaching AED 187 billion by the close of 2023. Over the past three years, the industrial sector’s contribution to the national GDP has grown by 55%, reaching AED 205 billion.
He further explained, "The UAE’s vision extends beyond its borders. We are investing in critical mineral resources in Africa and Latin America, securing vital supplies of lithium and copper—not solely for our own needs, but for a world reliant on these resources to achieve sustainability. These initiatives align with a larger objective: to establish a secure, Emirati-led supply chain encompassing exploration, production, and trade, supporting the global energy transition."