Hexagon identifies Saudi Vision 2030 as a transformative opportunity for global mining
Global mining technology company Hexagon (
Speaking on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) in
Riyadh, Dave Goddard, President of Hexagon’s Mining Division, described the
current landscape as one of significant potential, particularly as Saudi Arabia
accelerates efforts to diversify its economy beyond oil.
Hexagon delivers technology solutions that help
mining companies optimise the net present value of their assets while improving
operational efficiency and enhancing day-to-day worker safety. Its portfolio
spans autonomous systems, productivity solutions and digital reality
technologies.
Digital reality, Goddard explained, forms the
foundation of modern mine planning. “It’s a model of what the geology is
believed to be, and Hexagon provides a time sequence to deliver optimal
extraction and sequencing activities in order to maximise return on
investment,” he said.
Read More
Saudi
Arabia positioning minerals as strategic pillar of industrial ambitions
With an established presence in the Kingdom,
Hexagon sees long-term opportunity in Saudi Arabia’s mining ambitions. “We’re
boots on the ground here in Saudi Arabia. We believe in the region, we believe
in the Kingdom, and in its ability to transform itself into a mineral
superpower. That’s why we’re here—we believe wholeheartedly in Vision 2030,”
Goddard added.
Strengthening education and workforce
development
At FMF, Hexagon and Saudi state-owned miner
Ma’aden announced a deeper strategic partnership aimed at strengthening mining
education and workforce development across the Middle East. The collaboration
builds on a landmark agreement that delivered the region’s first digital mine
at Mansourah-Massarah.
The two companies signed a memorandum of
understanding focused on developing the next generation of mining
professionals, with a key pillar being a partnership with King Abdulaziz
University (KAU). Supported by national leadership, the initiative aims to
modernise mining curricula, integrate advanced digital technologies and create
clear pathways into modern mining careers.
Students will gain access to industry-leading
tools, hands-on training and enhanced professional development opportunities.
The programme coincides with the enrolment of the first cohort of female mining
students at KAU—a milestone for Saudi Arabia’s mining sector and a signal of
the Kingdom’s commitment to inclusivity and talent development.
Beyond KAU, Hexagon is expanding academic
partnerships with King Saud University (KSU) and King Fahd University of
Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM). These collaborations include software licences,
training programmes for faculty and students, and internship opportunities for
high-performing students at Hexagon’s new Riyadh office.
Read More
Mining
firms join hands to develop metals & minerals laboratory services in Saudi
Arabia
According to Goddard, the agreement with KAU
is designed to provide students with essential tools, including laptops,
alongside internship opportunities that help build the ecosystem required to
support Vision 2030. “If mining is to have a future, it needs future miners.
We’re willing to invest in that next generation to ensure the industry remains
sustainable,” he said.
Hexagon is currently expanding its footprint
in the Kingdom, with plans to secure office space and grow its local workforce.
Leadership and global focus
Goddard was appointed Executive Vice
President, Mining, within Hexagon’s Autonomous Solutions division in October
2024, after serving as Acting President earlier that year. His tenure has
focused on identifying opportunities for operational efficiency and advancing a
data-first strategy that unifies information across mining workflows.
Previously serving as Chief Product Officer,
Goddard oversaw several industry milestones, including the deployment of the
world’s first underground operator alertness system and the launch of the
Middle East’s first digital mine.
Read More
Saudi
company unveils significant gold discovery extending 100km from Mansourah
Massarah Mine
Hexagon is a global leader in digital reality
solutions, combining sensors, software and autonomous technologies to drive
efficiency, productivity, quality and safety across multiple industries. The
company employs approximately 25,000 people across 50 countries and reported
net sales of €5.4 billion.
The
Future Minerals Forum, organised by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and
Mineral Resources, was held from January 13–15, 2026, at the King Abdulaziz
International Conference Centre in Riyadh. Mining.com.au attended the event as
an official media partner.
Source: mining.com.au
0 Comments