The U.S.-Saudi Business Council (USSBC) was pleased to support the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM) and the Saudi delegation led by His Excellency Bandar AlKhorayef, Minister of MIM, and His Excellency Khalid AlMudaifer, Vice Minister of MIM, during their official visit to the U.S., anchored by a visit to MINExpo 2024. In alignment with MIM’s objectives, the Council facilitated 16 targeted floor meetings between the Saudi delegation and key U.S. exhibitors at MINExpo 2024. These meetings created significant opportunities for business partnerships and explored investment prospects within the mining and industrial sectors.
This marked the second time the Council has supported MIM at MINExpo, having previously collaborated in 2021. MINExpo, the world’s largest mining industry event, takes place every four years and showcases cutting-edge technologies, equipment, and services that drive the global mining industry.
The MIM also had a substantial presence through its booth at MINExpo, where several key events took place, including the notable signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Mussel Polymers, Inc. and Almajdouie Group. Facilitated by the USSBC, this MOU sets the foundation for a new polymers manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia. This strategic partnership will advance polymer technologies, boost local production, and contribute to the Kingdom’s industrial development, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of attracting foreign investment, fostering innovation, and creating local jobs.
In addition to the activities at MINExpo, the USSBC co-organized a gala dinner reception at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, which brought together over 200 senior executives from the mining and industrial sectors. This high-profile event featured a Saudi cultural program and offered networking opportunities for attendees representing a wide range of key companies in the mining sector. During the dinner, USSBC Interim President and CEO Susanne Lendman delivered opening remarks, followed by a keynote speech from His Excellency AlKhorayef.
Furthermore, the Council, in collaboration with MIM, hosted a roundtable in Los Angeles with C-suite executives from 13 U.S. companies and 10 senior representatives from Saudi government and semi-government entities on September 27. The roundtable focused on expanding industrial collaboration and exploring potential business opportunities across sectors such as aerospace, automotive, logistics, and mining.
The Saudi delegation’s U.S. visit also included organized tours of industrial sites in California, including at the Hawthorne, CA facility of SpaceX in support of the nascent Saudi space program, which saw the first Saudi astronauts visit the International Space Station in 2023. The delegation also visited the production site of Long Beach-based JetZero, showcasing innovations in aviation technology and industrial advancements.
The U.S.-Saudi Business Council remains dedicated to supporting U.S. and Saudi companies in fostering productive partnerships and enhancing bilateral trade and investment.
Join Us for the Future Minerals Forum 2025
The USSBC is leading a U.S. delegation to the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2025, organized by the MIM. Held annually in Riyadh, the FMF is one of the largest global gatherings of senior government and industry leaders in the mining and minerals sector, focused on creating resilient mineral value chains in Africa, Western, and Central Asia.
For more information and to join the delegation, please click here.
