Comminution and Material Handling
Technology and sustainability are shaping the Kingdom’s mining future
While Saudi Arabia is yet to experience problems like declining ore grades or high energy costs, sustainability remains a key focus. KSA’s three producers have integrated sustainability into their ESG strategies, and the next generation of mines have already planned for it. “Energy costs, alongside declining ore grades, are significant concerns in mining. Our solutions aim to reduce these costs while advancing sustainability objectives. By improving energy efficiency and performance, we help customers cut operational costs and their environmental footprint,” commented Philippe de Bosscher, APAC & Middle East general manager at Magotteaux.
De Bosscher explained Magotteaux’s strategy in the country: “While we typically engage once operations are underway or construction is in progress, we are also closely monitoring emerging junior mining projects. As Saudi Arabia’s mining sector becomes a cornerstone of the country’s future, we are positioning ourselves to grow alongside it,” de Bosscher said.
To support sustainability and energy cost management, there is a trend towards offering a more comprehensive or holistic approach that encompasses a broad ecosystem in what equipment providers can offer. This is precisely what Magotteaux is developing with Enaex, another company within their parent group, Sigdo Koppers, to explore the “mine-to-mill” concept. “Although still in its early stages, the mine-to-mill concept holds tremendous potential for regions like Saudi Arabia. By optimizing the entire supply chain from blasting to milling and beyond every step contributes to better cost management, reduced energy consumption, and improved metal recovery,” emphasized de Bosscher.
Bernard Kaninda, region president of sales and services for EMEA at FLSmidth, highlighted that the key trends impacting Saudi Arabia are a growing interest in sustainable solutions, digital transformation, and investment in critical minerals: “With the increasing mining activity in the region, it is fundamental to ensure that these minerals are produced more sustainably and in a timely manner. This is vital for a successful green energy transition, as mining accounts for approximately 3.5% of total global energy consumption and is one of the most water-intensive industries,” Kaninda added.
“Ma'aden seems far more open and willing to embrace new or improved technologies than many international companies, which might be tied to the fact that international firms often carry more legacy baggage.”
Hannes Storch, Vice President of Metals and Chemicals Processing, Metso
Fazel Majlessi, senior vice presi-dent and materials BU at Yokoga-wa Middle East and Africa, who worked with Aramco and Ma’ad-en on their gold operations and now on Phosphate 3, commented that technologies like advanced control systems, AI and robotics will take time to be fully adopted in the country: “The level of automation and digitalization you see in places like Australia and South America is not quite there yet. However, as the push for reducing carbon footprints grows and aligns with Vision 2030, we will likely see these technologies start to make their way into the Kingdom,” Majlessi stated.
For Nasier al Saadi, CEO for Saudi Arabia at Innomotics, a company that produces motors and drives while integrating digitalization and automation, the idea that mining has been slow to embrace new technologies does not shake his optimism. Al Saadi believes the industry has advanced, especially since technology adoption is a central pillar of Vision 2030: "One very important aspect is the Saudi government's focus on diversifying the economy. They do not want to depend only on oil and gas; this diversification increases investment in the mining sector. This offers growth opportunities for advanced technologies."
Article header image courtesy of FLSMIDTH