Ma’aden and Hexagon have partnered to launch what they say is the Middle East’s very first digital mine, with Hexagon’s life-of-mine technology solutions being deployed at Mansourah Massarah mine, combining sensor, software and autonomous technologies to enhance efficiency, productivity, quality and safety across the mine’s operations.

Duncan Bradford, Executive Vice President Base Metals and New Metals, Ma’aden, said: “This partnership strongly aligns with our digitisation strategy, as we work to use the vast amounts of data that we mine to make our mine safer and more efficient. We look forward to working closely with Hexagon to implement and utilise the region’s first digital mine to elevate Mansourah Massarah’s operations.”

Nick Hare, President of Hexagon’s Mining division, said: “We are excited to help bring to life this important shift toward digitisation of the mine, one that holistically leverages intelligent data and automation across workflows to minimise the impacts of mining while simultaneously improving safety, productivity and operational efficiency.

“This is about co-authoring the next chapter of mining in this region with a partner who shares in our drive toward a sustainable future.”

Mansourah Massarah, Ma’aden’s newest, largest, and most technologically advanced gold mine, is in Al Khurmah governorates in Makkah Region. The mine consists of the Mansourah and Massarah resources, which are being developed as conventional open-pit mines. The 4 Mt/y plant employs carbon-in-leach and pressure oxidation processes and autoclave technologies for ore gold production. It reached a major milestone of producing first gold in September 2022, going on to produce 11,982 oz for the year.