Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund, ADQ, has partnered with Orion Resource Partners to establish a 50-50 joint venture, Orion Abu Dhabi, based in the Abu Dhabi Global Market. The venture plans to invest $1.2 billion over the next four years in the metals and mining sector, aiming to enhance supply chain security both within the UAE and globally.
Orion Abu Dhabi will employ various financial strategies, including equity investments, loans, and production-linked agreements such as royalties and purchase contracts. The initial focus will be on critical metals and minerals in emerging markets across Africa, Asia and Latin America. The venture aims to secure long-term agreements for essential minerals, including copper and high-grade iron ore, to support global supply chain stability and the energy transition.
The joint venture will be part of ADQ’s recently established Infrastructure & Critical Minerals cluster, which includes investments in companies such as Alpha Dhabi Construction Holding and Plenary Group. This cluster aims to contribute to the local economy’s resilience while supporting growth in other sectors. It will be led by Philip Clegg, a Managing Partner at Orion with over 20 years of experience in natural resources and mining investments. The establishment of Orion Abu Dhabi marks Orion’s expansion to five global offices, enhancing its international presence.
ADQ manages more than 25 portfolio companies across over 130 countries, operating in key sectors of Abu Dhabi’s economy, including energy and utilities, food and agriculture, healthcare and life sciences, and transport and logistics.
