Arash Roshdieh International Operations Manager and Senior Principal Engineer ATC WILLIAMS
What is ATC Williams’ expertise in mining, and how long has it been operating in KSA?
Our core expertise is in managing tailings, water and waste, each being a critical part of our work.
One major jurisdiction of growth for us has been in Saudi Arabia, mainly through our partnership with Ma’aden since 2017. This collaboration aligns with our commitment to sustainable practices, as Ma’aden adopts the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM). With them, we have introduced a pioneering central thickened discharge scheme, which we are proud to have presented at a recent industry conference, positioning us at the forefront of thickened tailings technology. What makes KSA more open to adopting new technology?
Saudi Arabia’s mining industry is still in its early stages, which opens up opportunities to introduce innovative technologies that might not be as readily accepted in more established mining juritictions. Additionally, Saudis have a different, more open culture to adopting cutting-edge solutions. They have a strong desire to lead in certain areas, making it easier to bring in fresh ideas. However, they approach these innovations carefully, especially companies like Ma’aden, who ensure each technology is thoroughly tested to avoid unnecessary risks.
A key factor driving the adoption of new mining technologies in Saudi Arabia is water scarcity. Unlike countries where water is abundant, Saudi Arabia’s limited water resources make advanced, often costly, water-conserving technologies more viable. What does ATC Williams have in the pipeline for KSA?
With Mansourah-Massarah Stage Two complete, we are designing Stage Three and providing technical support during operations. The project was initially planned for a conventional tailings management approach, but during a site visit, we suggested that a central thickened discharge system could yield significant savings. We are also actively working to work on other Ma’aden projects and other mining companies in the KSA.
Roy Dabbous Regional Director - Middle East HATCH
Can you tell us about Hatch’s history and presence in the Middle East?
For over 30 years, Hatch has been deeply rooted in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East. We have worked closely with Ma’aden Saudi Arabia’s leading mining company right from its early days, helping to deliver some of the nation’s first gold projects.
Today, most of our work in Saudi Arabia is focused on mining and metals, with key partnerships across major players like Ma’aden, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), and the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources. What opportunities do you see in Saudi Arabia’s mining sector?
The new mining law and the government’s efforts to create an attractive business environment have made the country a magnet for some of the world’s best innovations and operators, bringing a lot of cutting-edge thinking to the table. As more of these advanced operators move into Saudi Arabia, they will bring valuable know-how and innovation, bridging the gap between Saudi Arabia and more developed mining regions. What key challenges should new mining companies be aware of if they are looking to enter the market?
The biggest challenge for new mining companies looking to enter Saudi Arabia is the availability and cost of contractors. With so many infrastructure and giga-projects happening in the country, many contractors are already booked, making it tough to find the right people.
Hatch has been in Saudi for a long time, so we know the local market and the established contractors. We have also helped bring in external contractors and get them up to speed with the Saudi market. But even with that, finding qualified contractors for complex mining projects is still a big challenge. To manage that, solid engineering is key. When the contractor pool shrinks, you want to make sure your engineering is rock solid, with everything from material quantities to project specs clearly defined upfront.