The Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden) has undertaken the largest exploration program in a single region worldwide as part of the Kingdom’s efforts to achieve the goals of Vision 2030, diversify its economic base, and position mining as the third pillar of the national industry.
The company has drilled over 820,000 meters of exploration wells in the past two years, surpassing similar efforts in other countries, Ma’aden CEO Robert Wilt told Asharq Al-Awsat.
Wilt revealed that this program has already yielded a potential gold discovery spanning 100 kilometers south of the Mansourah and Massarah mines, located 460 kilometers east of Jeddah.
The CEO emphasized Ma’aden’s role in leading the development of the mining sector as the third pillar of Saudi Arabia’s economy, harnessing mineral resources estimated at $2.5 trillion.
He highlighted the company’s ambitions to unlock the Kingdom’s potential in strategic minerals, such as gold and copper, which are vital for manufacturing industries and the global energy transition.
To sustain the company’s strategies, Wilt stressed the importance of supporting and developing the next generation of Saudi talent. Ma’aden is committed to creating an attractive industry for young professionals and investing in skills and technology to enable its workforce to build a new era for mining in the Kingdom.
Ma’aden currently operates more than 17 mines and exploration sites across Saudi Arabia, transforming mineral wealth into added value for the national economy. The company exports its products to over 30 countries worldwide.
Additionally, Ma’aden has invested in the necessary infrastructure for mining and processing operations. This includes constructing modern mines, advanced processing plants, and world-class export ports.
The company leverages cutting-edge technology to boost productivity, improve product quality, and reduce costs. It also utilizes advanced systems for analyzing geological data to identify promising mineral sites, integrating this technology throughout its operations from exploration to marketing.
