Saudi Arabian mining company Maaden, the largest multi-commodity firm in the Middle East, and Hexagon, the global leader in digital reality solutions, have partnered to launch the Middle East’s very first digital mine.

Hexagon’s life-of-mine technology solutions are being successfully deployed at Mansoura 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, Maaden, said: “This partnership strongly aligns with our digitization 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 utilize the region’s first digital mine to elevate Mansourah Massara’s operations.”

Nick Hare, President of Hexagon’s Mining division, said: “We are excited to help bring to life this important shift toward digitization of the mine, one that wholistically leverages intelligent data and automation across workflows to minimize 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.”