popular articles

Saudi Arabia offers titanium and aluminium to France to strengthen its industry

During a visit to France, the Saudi Minister of Industry presented the kingdom's titanium and aluminium as levers to reach agreements with French manufacturers and support the country’s industrial diversification.

Please share:

Saudi Arabia is seeking to develop new outlets for its mineral resources in Europe, particularly in France, to support the growth of its industrial sector. The Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Al Khorayef, presented titanium and aluminium produced in the kingdom as strategic materials that could supply the European aerospace sector.

A response to supply chain pressure

A Saudi-Japanese joint venture, active since 2015 in Saudi Arabia, produces up to 15,000 tonnes per year of “titanium sponge”, a material used in aerospace manufacturing. The minister stated that this capacity could be increased, in a context where Airbus and Safran are working to reduce their dependence on Russia. He conducted a three-day visit to France, which included meetings with Airbus subcontractors in Toulouse, Airbus Helicopters in Marignane, as well as with the management of engine manufacturer Safran.

Titanium is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant metal widely used in aircraft structures. While international sanctions have not yet targeted Russian titanium, European companies are anticipating supply risks. An industry expert interviewed by AFP described the discussions as “strategic” for diversifying sourcing, while noting that current Saudi production is not sufficient to meet Airbus’s needs.

Alternative materials and expected approval

The kingdom is also seeking to have its aluminium certified according to Airbus standards, for use in aircraft fuselages. In parallel, Saudi Arabia aims to develop the exploitation and transformation of its resources in minerals, industrial plastics, and composites derived from its petrochemical industry.

Identified resources include bauxite, phosphate, copper, zinc, gold, silver, and a reportedly significant quantity of rare earth elements. Since 2018, a geological exploration programme has doubled the estimated mineral reserves of the country, from $1,300bn to $2,500bn, according to figures provided by the minister.

Bilateral talks on rare metals

Bandar Al Khorayef stated that the Council of Ministers had given him approval to initiate direct negotiations with the French government on an agreement related to rare metals. On this occasion, he met with Benjamin Gallezot, France’s interministerial delegate for strategic minerals and metals supply.

The minister also held discussions with Orano, a French nuclear fuel supplier, to evaluate uranium extraction techniques from phosphate. This move aligns with a strategy announced in January by Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman, under which the kingdom plans to enrich and commercialise uranium.

Industrial platform and trade climate

Against a backdrop of the war in Ukraine and ongoing trade tensions with the United States, the minister believes the kingdom could become an attractive industrial platform. He mentioned the possibility for companies from countries under stricter sanctions to establish operations in Saudi Arabia for export to the North American market. This approach would involve joint ventures with Saudi investors under a regulatory framework considered more stable.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

Raven SR takes a crucial step towards renewable hydrogen production by obtaining a permit for its bioenergy project in Richmond, California. This approval marks a significant step forward in the conversion of organic waste into clean fuels and contributes to the reduction of CO2 emissions.
Nigerian president inaugurates Dangote's mega-refinery, offering the prospect of solving shortages and creating revenue. However, analysts doubt the actual start-up date of the refinery, which could be delayed until the end of 2024.
Nigerian president inaugurates Dangote's mega-refinery, offering the prospect of solving shortages and creating revenue. However, analysts doubt the actual start-up date of the refinery, which could be delayed until the end of 2024.
Denmark takes a major step forward in the management of captured CO2 with the construction of its first large-scale facility in Aalborg. The Port of Aalborg and Fidelis New Energy unveil ambitious plans to process up to four million tons of CO2 per year, contributing to the country's emission reduction.
Denmark takes a major step forward in the management of captured CO2 with the construction of its first large-scale facility in Aalborg. The Port of Aalborg and Fidelis New Energy unveil ambitious plans to process up to four million tons of CO2 per year, contributing to the country's emission reduction.
Floating wind resources are poised to become a crucial part of the U.S. energy transition. A look back at the industry's rapid growth prospects, the U.S. Department of Energy's ambitious goals, and development opportunities in California, Oregon and the Gulf of Maine.
Floating wind resources are poised to become a crucial part of the U.S. energy transition. A look back at the industry's rapid growth prospects, the U.S. Department of Energy's ambitious goals, and development opportunities in California, Oregon and the Gulf of Maine.
The right-wing majority Senate has largely approved the nuclear revival bill to speed up the construction of new reactors, despite the opposition of the ecologist group, before the final adoption expected on May 16 in the National Assembly.
TotalEnergies, the French oil major, is preparing for a climate debate with some of its shareholders at its general meeting on May 26. An advisory resolution on the group's indirect CO2 emissions, proposed by the activist shareholder organization Follow This, was included in the agenda of the AGM.
TotalEnergies, the French oil major, is preparing for a climate debate with some of its shareholders at its general meeting on May 26. An advisory resolution on the group's indirect CO2 emissions, proposed by the activist shareholder organization Follow This, was included in the agenda of the AGM.
In the first quarter of the year, EDF recorded a 34.6% increase in revenues compared to the same period last year, despite a drop in its nuclear production. High energy market prices and the acquisition of new residential customers in France contributed to this growth.
In the first quarter of the year, EDF recorded a 34.6% increase in revenues compared to the same period last year, despite a drop in its nuclear production. High energy market prices and the acquisition of new residential customers in France contributed to this growth.
Ohmium International is partnering with Efficiency for LNG Applications (E4Efficiency) to supply green hydrogen to a liquefied natural gas terminal in Andalusia, replacing the methane used in the gas burner pilot flame. This innovative project is supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Ohmium International is partnering with Efficiency for LNG Applications (E4Efficiency) to supply green hydrogen to a liquefied natural gas terminal in Andalusia, replacing the methane used in the gas burner pilot flame. This innovative project is supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
The controversial nuclear safety reform is not expected to be included in the final discussions on the nuclear acceleration bill, sources told AFP. Members of Parliament rejected the government's amendment in March and future debates should respect their vote.
Engie offers its regulated tariff subscribers a bridging offer called "Passerelle" indexed on a reference indicator calculated by the Commission de régulation de l'énergie, which should experience marginal increases, but which allows the user to retain absolute freedom.
Engie offers its regulated tariff subscribers a bridging offer called "Passerelle" indexed on a reference indicator calculated by the Commission de régulation de l'énergie, which should experience marginal increases, but which allows the user to retain absolute freedom.
Russia and China continue their energy cooperation with the Siberian Force 2 pipeline project. This ambitious initiative aims to deliver 98 billion cubic meters of gas to China by 2030, strengthening ties between the two countries.
Russia and China continue their energy cooperation with the Siberian Force 2 pipeline project. This ambitious initiative aims to deliver 98 billion cubic meters of gas to China by 2030, strengthening ties between the two countries.
Oil prices started the week lower, despite the announcement of Russian oil production cuts. Concerns about near-term demand have returned to the forefront as the uncertain economic outlook in many major oil-consuming economies, such as the U.S., Europe and even China, persists.
Oil prices started the week lower, despite the announcement of Russian oil production cuts. Concerns about near-term demand have returned to the forefront as the uncertain economic outlook in many major oil-consuming economies, such as the U.S., Europe and even China, persists.
The Druzhba pipeline is resuming pumping in the Ukrainian section after a partial suspension, according to the Russian operator Transneft.
Boralex, a Canadian company, appoints Patrick Simon as Assistant General Manager of Boralex Development, Europe.
Boralex, a Canadian company, appoints Patrick Simon as Assistant General Manager of Boralex Development, Europe.
AEP commissions the 287 MW Maverick wind farm, the 2nd wind farm of the 1485 MW North Central Wind Energy project in Oklahoma.|AEP commissions the 287 MW Maverick wind farm, the 2nd wind farm of the 1485 MW North Central Wind Energy project in Oklahoma.
AEP commissions the 287 MW Maverick wind farm, the 2nd wind farm of the 1485 MW North Central Wind Energy project in Oklahoma.|AEP commissions the 287 MW Maverick wind farm, the 2nd wind farm of the 1485 MW North Central Wind Energy project in Oklahoma.
Axpo announces the signing of a long-term power purchase agreement with CEZ's Fântânele-Cogealac-Gradina wind farm.|Axpo announces the signing of a long-term power purchase agreement with CEZ's Fântânele-Cogealac-Gradina wind farm.
Acteon supports Siemens Gamesa with cable trenching for the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project near the Virginia coast.|Acteon supports Siemens Gamesa with cable trenching for the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project near the Virginia coast.
Acteon supports Siemens Gamesa with cable trenching for the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project near the Virginia coast.|Acteon supports Siemens Gamesa with cable trenching for the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project near the Virginia coast.
Amanda Levete presents the design of the UK's 1st inertial fusion power plant at the UK Atomic energy authority campus in Culham.|Amanda Levete presents the design of the UK's 1st inertial fusion power plant at the UK Atomic energy authority campus in Culham.
Amanda Levete presents the design of the UK's 1st inertial fusion power plant at the UK Atomic energy authority campus in Culham.|Amanda Levete presents the design of the UK's 1st inertial fusion power plant at the UK Atomic energy authority campus in Culham.
Avangrid develops the first large-scale offshore wind project built by unionized workers in the United States.|Avangrid develops the first large-scale offshore wind project built by unionized workers in the United States.
Avangrid develops the first large-scale offshore wind project built by unionized workers in the United States.|Avangrid develops the first large-scale offshore wind project built by unionized workers in the United States.
Avangrid launches its new Park City Wind offshore wind project in Connecticut and plans to create 2800 jobs.|Avangrid launches its new Park City Wind offshore wind project in Connecticut and plans to create 2800 jobs.
Atlantic Shores, a new joint venture between EDF Renewables and Shell New Energies, will boost new energies in New Jersey.|Atlantic Shores, a new joint venture between EDF Renewables and Shell New Energies, will boost new energies in New Jersey.
Atlantic Shores, a new joint venture between EDF Renewables and Shell New Energies, will boost new energies in New Jersey.|Atlantic Shores, a new joint venture between EDF Renewables and Shell New Energies, will boost new energies in New Jersey.
A call for tenders is launched in Albania to encourage the development of large-scale onshore wind power plants.|A call for tenders is launched in Albania to encourage the development of large-scale onshore wind power plants.
A call for tenders is launched in Albania to encourage the development of large-scale onshore wind power plants.|A call for tenders is launched in Albania to encourage the development of large-scale onshore wind power plants.
Central Asia's largest wind farm, the Zhanatas project in Kazakhstan, completed with a capacity of 100 MW, is the result of Sino-Kazakh cooperation and addresses the north-south energy imbalance while supporting the country's transition to renewable energies.
Central Asia's largest wind farm, the Zhanatas project in Kazakhstan, completed with a capacity of 100 MW, is the result of Sino-Kazakh cooperation and addresses the north-south energy imbalance while supporting the country's transition to renewable energies.

Advertising