RIYADH: The Middle East’s first digital mine will be developed in the Kingdom after Saudi Mining Co. teamed up with augmented reality company Hexagon. The firms signed a memorandum of understanding, which will lead to more efficient operations while minimizing waste and environmental impact. The Kingdom aims to establish a third industrial pillar focused on mining, with potential reserves valued at $2.5 trillion. “By integrating the latest mining technologies, we can enhance safety and follow a more sustainable approach in the industry,” the mining company, also known as Ma’aden, said in a post on X. On Jan. 11, Ma’aden secured international recognition with a certificate for producing 614,000 tons of ultra-low carbon ammonia, the largest quantity acknowledged globally. Additionally, an endorsement from Norwegian firm Det Norske Veritas signifies a substantial stride in the plans of the mining company to expand and transform its operations, aspiring to become an environmental, social, and governance role model in the Kingdom. This accreditation highlights Ma’aden’s commitment to operational excellence and expanding product range, with Geir Fuglerud, CEO of DNV Supply Chain and Product Assurance, stating that the achievement aligns with global sustainable development goals and demonstrates Ma’aden’s industry leadership position in Saudi Arabia. Robert Wilt, CEO of Ma’aden, told the Future Minerals Forum – held in Riyadh on Jan 10 and 11 – that his company is now at the “forefront” of supplying the world with a lower carbon fuel source that has the potential to support the global energy transition. He added that the company has 18 workstreams, and is planning a groundbreaking investment in the third phase of phosphate production, set to increase capacity by 50 percent. Another area of development for mining in Saudi Arabia is the introduction of a Geoscience Data Analytics Center – set to be the first of its kind in the world. The facility will use an artificial intelligence platform capable of conducting analytics to identify high-potential mining targets.