Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE

تحت رعاية صاحب السمو الشيخ محمد بن زايد آل نهيان، رئيس دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة

Supported by

Dr. Salam Al Sharif

Chairman

Sharif Metal Group

Salam
Salam

Dr. Salam Al Sharif is a globally recognized leader in the metals recycling and sustainability industry, with over 39 years of experience spanning operations, policy advocacy, and industrial transformation. A Civil and Metallurgical Engineer by training, Dr. Salam graduated from Texas A&M University, later earning an Executive MBA from Cambridge, Massachusetts, and a Doctorate in Business Administration with a focus on Socioeconomic Sustainability from London. He is also a licensed international arbitrator, equipped to navigate complex commercial and industry-related disputes with legal and regulatory understanding. As Chairman of Sharif Metals Group, a multi-generational family enterprise, Dr. Salam has driven the company’s evolution into a respected regional and global player in the recycling of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. His leadership has not only advanced the group’s operational excellence but has also positioned it as a model for sustainability, innovation, and circular economy practices in the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. Dr. Salam has held several prominent roles, including Former Chairman of Ambassadors at the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) and Former Director of Advocacy at the Dubai Recycling Business Group (DRBG) under Dubai Chambers. He is a sought-after speaker at international forums, including COP28 and Fastmarkets events, where he addresses issues of climate policy, resource efficiency, and sustainable industrial development. His contributions to the sector have earned him numerous awards, including “Best Middle East Recycler” and “Middle East Personality of the Year. ” He was also ranked among the Top 100 Most Influential Global Recyclers by Recycling International, placing #46 in 2021 and #39 in 2022. A passionate advocate for environmental stewardship and inclusive economic growth, Dr. Salam continues to champion sustainable practices and responsible resource management on a global scale.

Session Overview
Monday, 3 November
12:40
Digitalisation & AI Conference Room A 12:40 - 13:20
Critical minerals and AI: energy companies securing the new supply chains

One of the most strategically important yet overlooked intersections between artificial intelligence (AI) and the energy sector is the intensifying competition for critical minerals. From electric vehicle (EV) batteries to wind turbines, clean energy solutions require significantly greater quantities of minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper and rare earth elements compared to traditional hydrocarbon technologies. The explosive growth of AI infrastructure, including data centres, is further increasing demand for these finite resources, leading to supply chain constraints and vulnerabilities. Governments, mining companies and commercial leaders will need to pool their efforts to proactively secure the reliable, sustainable and affordable critical mineral supplies necessary for a high-growth, AI-powered, low-carbon future.

Attendee insights:

Explore how collaboration with mining companies can improve efficiency and scale mineral extraction while examining the geopolitical dynamics shaping mineral availability.

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