What opportunity did you see to integrate AI and advanced tools with drones?

LP: The idea came from my hobby of flying drones, which luckily aligned with some research at KAUST's Visualization Center. One day, the Vice Mayor of Jeddah saw one of our 3D models and was so impressed that he asked us to create something similar for the city of Al-Balad to be recognized as a heritage site by UNESCO. That was our first big break, and it all took off from there. As drone tech got more accessible, we realized the real value was not just in capturing the data but in analyzing and integrating it. Today, we use AI and other advanced tools to process and analyze large amounts of data, one of our first clients was ALSafwa Cement Company.

KA: FalconViz was focused exclusively on Saudi Arabia, but we have worked on data processing, 3D/2D modelingand visualizations in Lebanon, Egypt, the UAE, and even Europe. We have also done a lot of work in the US, particularly in rooftop inspections and the renewable energy sector. While Saudi Arabia is still our main market, especially with the huge growth in construction and mining here, we are always open to international opportunities when the right projects come along. Is the growth in the mining sector translating into more activity for FalconViz?

LP:When we first started with clients like ALSafwa Cement in 2017, we were mainly focused on stockpile management and providing basic numbers. Now, the requests have become much more complex. We have even developed our own software to handle all the data and inputs. We are not just working with 3D data anymore; we need to look at the evolution of sites over time and ensure compliance with regulations. The scale has grown, but so has the complexity and sophistication of the requirements, making the work more interesting and challenging.

KA: Shortly after our work with ALSafwa, we secured a two-year contract with Maaden Barrick Copper Company to monitor stockpiles at the Mahd Ad Dhahab mine. Around the same time, Saudi Arabia was setting up the Saudi Service Mining Company (now ESNAD), and they asked us to do a proof of concept using drones for compliance and monitoring. It was a big success and helped us build a strong foundation in the industry. Now, with the mining sector booming in Saudi Arabia and almost 2,500 mining licenses, we saw a huge opportunity to create something unique. That is when we decided to launch StockViz, a cloud-based software that helps investors manage their licenses, track stockpiles, and stay compliant using drones and AI. Can you explain to us how does StockViz work?

KA: This software allows us to work with high-resolution aerial photos captured by our drones. These photos represent mining sites linked to ESNAD; we optimize them for online viewing. Each site is marked by a large yellow polygon representing a mining license. Different licenses belong to other companies or investors, and each license covers one or more stockpiles. For example, one license might include three stockpiles that need to be monitored. When you click on any stockpile, the software shows a 3D model of that stockpile, allowing you to interact with the data. StockViz can create a digital twin of the stockpile that clients can manage and visualize on their desktops. The great thing is we can update this model regularly, weekly, monthly, or even daily. Over time, clients can compare different versions of the stockpile from different dates to track changes. You can monitor volume changes and see if they have increased since the last scan. We can also estimate the weight of the stockpile. These are just a few things, when we launch in December, the StockViz app will have even more advanced features.

LP: We will offer a subscription-based pricing model, either monthly or annually, depending on the license. We also provide a capacity-building program through FalconViz Academy, where we train clients' teams to use our drones and software. Clients can either use the software and handle the scanning and processing themselves or choose to have us manage the entire process, including scanning, data processing, and uploading reports, so they can simply visualize and manage their stockpiles.