How is the Al-Rushaid Group involved in the mining industry?

Al-Rushaid Group has strategically expanded into the mining sector, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objectives. In 2012, the group partnered with Jac Rijk BV to establish Jac Rijk Al-Rushaid, a company specializing in mining and infrastructure services within the Kingdom.

In 2021, Jac Rijk Al-Rushaid secured a significant contract with Ma'aden to provide operational mining services at the Mansourah & Massarah gold mines, Ma'aden's largest gold project to date. This contract encompasses drilling, scaling, loading, hauling, re-handling, ore control and dewatering operations, highlighting the group's active role in advancing Saudi Arabia's mining industry.

Furthermore, in February 2023, Al-Rushaid Group signed partnership agreements with four international firms specializing in mining services, drilling technology solutions, industrial auctions and geotechnical solutions at the African mining conference Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa. These collaborations aim to strengthen Saudi Arabia's domestic mining sector by empowering local cadres and bringing international technical expertise to the Kingdom. How has the importance of the mining industry for Al-Rushaid Group evolved during the last few years?

This is in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, as Al-Rushaid Group has increasingly recognized mining as a core pillar for economic growth. In the last years, the group extensively increased its efforts and investments in mining, welcoming this new sector as a strategic opportunity to diversify its portfolio and contribute to the Kingdom's movement toward non-oil economic drivers.

This is evidenced by the MOU signed with the Colorado School of Mines in September 2024 to drive sustainable development and technology advancement in the mining sector of Saudi Arabia. Further, under the joint venture Jac Rijk Al-Rushaid, the group has been engaged in major projects such as operations at Ma'aden's Mansourah & Massarah gold mines, one of the Kingdom's largest gold projects.

The reasons that make mining a sector of growing importance for Al-Rushaid Group include providing local jobs, promoting sustainable practices, and enhancing the economic resilience of the Kingdom. Contributing to international forums such as the African Mining Conference-Indaba, in conjunction with various global firms, the group is developing state-of-the-art technologies and best practices for Saudi Arabia. From a subsidiary interest, mining has now emerged as the core of any vision that Al-Rushaid Group may entertain for itself in relation to becoming a global mining hub for Saudi Arabia. This reflects the group's commitment to economic diversification, sustainability and innovation. How has Vision 2030 shifted the investment environment in KSA, and how does Al-Rushaid Group align with it in terms of mining?

Vision 2030 focuses on diversifying Saudi Arabia's economy, structuring the mining sector as one of the key drivers for growth, job creation, and technological advancement, thereby reducing dependence on oil revenues. The shift in that direction has opened more avenues for innovation, foreign investments, and sustainable practices in the sector.

Al-Rushaid Group is in line with this vision through active investment in mining and the promotion of international collaboration. The group, through its joint venture with Jac Rijk BV, contributes to major projects such as Ma'aden's Mansourah & Massarah gold mines by bringing in advanced technologies and expertise. This is further evidenced by its participation in the African Mining Conference, also known as Indaba, in efforts toward building local capabilities and supporting economic diversification. Complementing these efforts, the Al-Rushaid Chair for Earth Science Remote Sensing Research reinforces the group’s alignment with Vision 2030 by advancing geological studies, mineral mapping, and environmental monitoring in Saudi Arabia. The Chair fosters innovation through academic and industry collaboration, contributing to the Kingdom’s knowledge-based economy. By integrating research-driven strategies, the Al-Rushaid Group strengthens its ability to meet the ambitious goals of Saudi Arabia's mining sector transformation. Do you have a final message for GBR’s international audience?

Al-Rushaid Group is committed to developing and nurturing worldwide partnerships for innovative and sustainable growth within the mining sector. In support of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, the Group is committed to the diversification of the economy and the creation of a dynamic workforce. We invite all international stakeholders to join us in unlocking the full potential of the mining sector for the benefit of the Kingdom and beyond.