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MCC and Orica sign agreement to strengthen digital technology adoption in Saudi Arabia

Posted on 10 Sep 2024

Modern Chemicals Company (MCC) has announced what it says is a significant collaboration agreement with Orica Digital Solutions in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to meet the growing demand for mining services.

This agreement aims to introduce advanced digital technologies and solutions designed to enhance productivity, safety and sustainability in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding mining sector.

MCC calls itself a leading supplier of bespoke mining services. In partnership with EPC Groupe of France, MCC established Modern Chemicals and Services Company Ltd (MCS). MCS specialises in the production and supply of civil explosives and related technical services for the growing mining and construction industries in Saudi Arabia and nearby regional markets.

Orica Digital Solution, established in 2019, includes solutions categories spanning the resource value chain, including orebody intelligence, blast design and execution, “measure and monitor”, and mine simulation and optimisation.

The collaboration agreement was signed by Abdulaziz Al Hamwah, the CEO and Vice Chairman of MCC, and Victor Morales, Vice President representing Orica Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Together, the two companies will introduce cutting-edge digital solutions that will empower the Saudi mining sector with enhanced data-driven insights and optimised decision making across the entire value chain, they say.

These technologies enable companies to extract resources more efficiently, manage environmental impact and achieve greater operational predictability. By integrating physical and digital workflows, Orica’s platforms help mining companies improve safety, reduce energy and water usage, minimise emissions and comply with regulatory requirements, it says. These solutions also offer real-time insights, allowing for better decision making, enhancing productivity and driving sustainable outcomes.

Al Hamwah stated, “Our partnership with Orica Digital Solutions demonstrates MCC’s commitment to advancing the Kingdom’s industrial growth by integrating innovative technologies that will significantly enhance the mining sector. This agreement enables us to deliver cutting-edge mining solutions, ensuring that we not only meet the industry’s growing demands but also drive greater efficiency, safety and sustainability across our operations.”

Rajkumar Mathiravedu, Senior Vice President, Orica Digital Solutions, added, “We are excited to work alongside MCC in bringing our industry-leading end to end value chain digital technologies to the Saudi mining sector. This collaboration agreement is an important step towards unlocking the potential of Saudi Arabia’s mineral resources through the integration of our advanced technologies.”

This agreement will bolster Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in the mining sector while contributing to the Kingdom’s broader economic diversification and sustainability goals, the companies say.

Morales added: “We are not only contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 but also setting new benchmarks in operational excellence and sustainability within the mining sector. Our shared commitment to innovation and safety will undoubtedly lead to groundbreaking advancements that benefit both the industry and the broader community.”