Saudi Arabian mining company Ma'aden and Hexagon have partnered to launch the first digital mine in the Middle East.

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 Ma'aden wrote in an announcement.

“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,” Duncan Bradford, executive vice president base metals and New Metals, Ma’aden, said. “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.”