Gulf Investors Target Rare Earths Processing Amid Global Supply Chain Shifts
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are aggressively pursuing roles in the critical minerals sector despite lacking local deposits. Mining executives report surging Gulf interest in processing partnerships and downstream operations rather than direct extraction.
The geopolitical dimension looms large as US-China tensions reshape rare earth supply chains. "The interest in rare earths in this part of the world is phenomenal," observed Tony Sage, CEO of Critical Metals, during Riyadh's Future Investment Initiative summit.
Gulf states are positioning themselves as strategic players in materials essential for energy transition and tech manufacturing. Their focus on value-chain participation rather than mining reflects regional ambitions to diversify beyond hydrocarbons.
