Britain will sign a partnership agreement with Saudi Arabia in the field of vital minerals

The British government said on Tuesday that it will sign a partnership with Saudi Arabia to cooperate in the field of minerals that will help strengthen supply chains, create opportunities for British companies and attract investments to the country.

Britain needs a secure, long-term supply of vital minerals, such as copper, lithium and nickel, which are used in making smartphones and electric cars, and are also essential for building data centers that help develop artificial intelligence systems.

The value of Saudi Arabia’s untapped mineral resources is estimated at about $2.5 trillion, and it seeks to become a major global center for trade in vital minerals.

For Britain, the agreement will form part of a broader industrial strategy that it says will be key to national security and achieving its goal of boosting economic growth and creating jobs.

This partnership also comes as negotiators from Britain and the Gulf Cooperation Council continue talks this week on a free trade agreement.

British Industry Minister Sarah Jones will lead a trade mission to the Kingdom accompanied by representatives of 16 British metals companies wishing to do business in the Middle East.

The new partnership will be signed at the Future Metals Forum in Riyadh, where the companies will showcase their expertise to potential customers.