DRIVING GROWTH IN SAUDI MINING: AMAK’S VISION FOR THE FUTURE
SUPPORTED BY
DRIVING GROWTH IN SAUDI MINING: AMAK’S VISION FOR THE FUTURE
AMAK PROJECT DIRECTED BY: ADEL MHITI
Al-Masane Al-Kobra Mining Company (AMAK), one of Saudi Arabia's largest publicly listed mining companies, has made remarkable strides since its inception, contributing significantly to the Kingdom’s mining industry. In an interview with Geoff Day, CEO of AMAK, we explored the company’s rich history, growth, and future aspirations as it aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.
AMAK’s Journey: From Discovery to a Major Mining Player
AMAK’s story began in 1967 when mineral deposits were discovered during an airborne geophysics survey of the Arabian Shield. “This discovery laid the foundation for what has become one of Saudi Arabia’s largest mining companies,” explained Geoff. A key milestone occurred in 1993 when the Arab American Shield Development Company was granted a mining concession, eventually leading to AMAK's formal establishment in 2008.
Saudi Specialize General Contracting Company (SASP)
Redefining Industrial Excellence in Saudi Arabia
With over 15 years of expertise, Saudi Specialize General Contracting Company (SASP) has established itself as a trusted leader in industrial construction and support services across Saudi Arabia. Partnering with industry giants like ARAMCO, RC, and AMAK, as well as key government projects, SASP is renowned for its reliability, precision, and client-focused approach.
SASP’s diverse offerings include large-scale site development, temporary construction facilities, equipment rentals, workforce solutions, and transportation services. By addressing unique client needs, SASP helps businesses optimize operations, reduce costs, and enhance productivity. The company’s manufacturing division, SSIF, further showcases its innovation, producing up to 10,000 tons of steel structures annually, along with scaffolding and space frames. With state-of-the-art facilities such as an automatic scaffolding production unit and an
advanced CNC machining workshop, SASP continues to lead in high-precision engineering solutions.
Through its trading arm, SSTC, SASP distributes premium tools, materials, and equipment, including partnerships with global brands like Alphi France and Muvton India. These collaborations bring advanced formwork and mobility solutions to Saudi Arabia, ensuring superior quality and efficiency for industrial applications.
“At SASP, our mission is to empower industries with innovative, client-driven solutions,” says President Sami Saleh Al Maghlouth. This commitment to quality and innovation has made SASP a cornerstone of industrial development in the Kingdom, advancing industries and driving growth with every project. Highlighting SASP’s commitment to growth, CEO Mr. Yogeesh Poojary remarked, “To meet the increasing demands of the industrial sector, we’ve strategically expanded our capabilities.
www.sasperve.com
WE BUILD GREAT PROJECTS
SASP strive to provide to all our clients, through our personalized service, the best qualified, experienced, reliable, dedicated and well-rounded personnel of any discipline to meet and exceed the expectations of our clients.
Quality Construction
We deliver our clients the standards of quality specified in the contract within budget.
Highly Skilled Employees
All our employees are trained in quality assurance and that this training is ongoing at all levels.
Dedicated To Our Clients
We ensure that quality control mechanisms are being sufficiently and effectively applied on all projects.
Arabian Mining Solutions Trading Est (Arminsol)
Arabian Mining Solutions Trading Est (Arminsol) is a leading supplier of premiumproducts and solutions for the mining industry in Saudi Arabia. Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Arminsol is dedicated to supporting the Kingdom’s ambitious plans to diversify its economy and develop a world-class mining sector.
At Arminsol, we offer an extensive range of products to meet the diverse needs of the large earth moving, open pit / underground mining and exploration industries. Our portfolio includes high-quality tools and machinery from global brands like Caterpillar, Sandvik, and Epiroc, as well as specialized exploration tools such as diamond core bits, head assemblies, core barrels, dril rods, and wireline systems. We also provide various dril accessories, core tray, chip box and moreensuring optimal performance in any project.
Safety is a core priority at Arminsol. We supply toptier safety equipment, including helmets, work wear,
working lights, buggy whips, and other protective gear, ensuring safe and efficient operations for our clients.
Our commitment to innovation and excellence extends to offering geotechnical and exploration services through our collaboration with MultiWaves Geosciences Exploration. This partnership enables us to deliver comprehensive solutions tailored to the unique requirements of our customers.
As Saudi Arabia positions itself as a global mining hub, Arminsol is proud to play a vital role in achieving this vision. Our mission is to empower mining operations with cutting-edge tools, unparalleled service, and innovative solutions, fostering growth and sustainability in line with Vision 2030.
Contact us today and let us power your mining operations with world-class solutions! Choose Arminsol— Your Trusted Partner in Mining Solutions info@arminsol.com.sa
Products Services
Since then, AMAK has achieved several significant milestones. In 2010, the company commenced construction of the Al Masane Copper Zinc Underground Mine and Process Plant. By 2012, it marked the start of commercial production of copper and zinc concentrates, a major turning point for the company. "Diversifying our product portfolio was crucial," said Geoff, referring to the 2017 addition of gold and silver doré production.
AMAK’s growth continued with the inauguration of the Moyeath orebody in 2019, followed by the commissioning of the Guyan Gold Mine and processing plant in 2021. By 2022, AMAK’s successful IPO on the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) set the stage for further expansion, including the development of the Moyeath processing plant.
“This journey has taken us from one portal and one process plant in 2017 to producing high-quality copper and zinc concentrates, along with gold and silver doré, in just seven years,” Geoff highlighted.
Geoff Day’s Journey in the Mining Industry
Day’s career path mirrors the dynamic nature of AMAK’s growth. With a degree in geochemistry and over 35 years in the mining sector, he has worked across various countries and roles. From his early career in Papua New Guinea to leading technical services for Rio Tinto and serving as COO for Newcrest, Australia’s largest gold company, Day brings a wealth of experience to AMAK. “I have had the privilege to experience all aspects of the mining business,” he reflected, “from exploration and operations to M&A and closure.”
Day’s leadership and vision for AMAK have been instrumental in steering the company through its recent expansions and positioning it for sustainable growth.
Strategic Initiatives for Sustainable Growth
At the core of AMAK's strategy for the future is its focus on sustainable growth and market expansion. “Our Strategic Initiatives for Sustainable Growth and Market Expansion for 2025 and beyond will see us reaching new heights,” Geoff explained. This growth plan includes both operational excellence and an aggressive exploration strategy for AMAK’s 21 licences, covering base and precious metals as well as industrial minerals.
Key initiatives include the development of the Khutainah Gold Project, the expansion of satellite pits to supplement gold production, and the advancement of the Nuham Iron Ore Project. Additionally, AMAK has launched a wholly-owned drilling company to accelerate exploration activities across its licences.
“This strategy not only strengthens our business but also aligns us with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030,” said Geoff. The company’s exploration efforts and its commitment to national procurement are set to drive significant economic benefits for the Kingdom.
Technological and Sustainable Innovation
AMAK is embracing technology and digital transformation to enhance its mining operations. According to Day, the company is leveraging advanced technologies like prospectivity mapping to identify new mineral deposits more efficiently. "The integration of digital tools into our operations is vital for improving efficiency and making more informed decisions," Geoff noted, highlighting upcoming systems like Reconcilor, which will allow real-time tracking of metals from the mine to the smelter.
About Tega Industries
Tega Industries is a global leader in mining, mineral processing, and material handling industries for ‘critical-to-operate’ consumables. It has global footprint across 92+ countries with manufacturing hubs in India, Australia, Chile, and South Africa.
For almost half a century, Tega has partnered with 700+ customers with an offering of 93+ advanced engineering solutions for Mill Liner Optimization, Spillage & Transfer Management, Engineering Transfer Chutes & Mill Feed Chutes, Smart Screening Solutions, Hydro cyclone along with Combination Wear & Abrasion Liners.
Tega Engineering Solutions are backed by innovative SymTrop, SymWear, SymFlow, SymRos, SymLife, SymTraj, IOT Industry 4.0, Mathematical Models, Crack Models, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), ANSYS, Explicit ANSYS, Discrete Element Analysis (DEM), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) etc. to create new generation solutions.
Proud Partnership with AMAK
A collaborative partnership between Tega Industries and Almasane Alkobra Mining Co. began in 2015 with multiple chapters of collaborative synergies explored since then.
At the main plant of Almasane Alkobra Mining Co., the installation of DynaSteel® liners in SAG Mill extended equipment life from 4 to 6 months reducing shutdown time by 33%. In the Ball Mill, the installation of DynaWear® rendered a life expectancy of 2 years.
In the next collaboration at Guyan plant, expertly engineered solutions for the quality & design of liners doubled the life expectancy, and solutions are currently being assessed that can further increase the life expectancy period.
With state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, product development capabilities and engineering excellence, Tega continues to deliver on the promise of sustainable solutions for its partners.
Based in Italy GSI LUCCHINI
S.p.A.
Thanks to over 45 years of manufacturing expertise and knowledge, GSI Lucchini provides the best solutions for grinding applications.
In terms of sustainability, AMAK is taking significant steps in water and waste management, and exploring the use of hydrogen-powered vehicles to reduce its carbon footprint. “We recycle nearly all our water across the site and are exploring innovative waste management solutions, such as creating topsoil for revegetation programs,” Geoff explained.
AMAK’s Role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
AMAK’s growth and strategic initiatives are closely aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which emphasises economic diversification and sustainable development. “Our strategic plan fully supports the Kingdom’s vision by targeting the development of the Kingdom's rich mineral resources and contributing to local economies,” said Geoff.
With a focus on local procurement and employment, AMAK is playing a vital role in fostering the development of Saudi Arabia’s mining industry. The company’s commitment to training and hiring young Saudi engineers is another important aspect of its contribution to Vision 2030. “We see these young professionals as the future of the industry,” Day emphasised.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Geoff is optimistic about the future of Saudi Arabia’s mining sector. “Saudi Arabia is one of the most progressive and supportive countries for mining I have worked in,” he said. With government incentives, a supportive policy framework, and a wealth of untapped mineral resources, Day believes the Kingdom is well-positioned to become a global mining hub.
AMAK, with its established assets and clear growth plan, aims to be at the forefront of this transformation. “Our focus is to ensure we take full advantage of the opportunities afforded to us, for the benefit of our shareholders, the communities in which we operate, and the Kingdom as a whole,” Geoff concluded.
AMAK’s remarkable journey from its humble beginnings in the 1960s to becoming a key player in Saudi Arabia’s mining sector is a testament to its vision, strategic focus, and commitment to sustainable growth. Under the leadership of Geoff Day, AMAK is set to continue its growth trajectory, contributing to the Kingdom’s economic diversification goals while maintaining its focus on innovation, sustainability, and community development.
www.amak.com.sa
