Computerisation of the complete mining lifecycle in Saudi Arabia will help facilitate more efficient resource utilisation, safety, highlighted a top expert attending the ongoing Saudi Mining and Minerals 2015 event, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The conference and exhibition which kicked off today (October 27), will run until October 29, at the Prince Sultan Grand Hall, Al Faisaliah Exhibition and Convention Centre.

A noted international expert, Dr Peter Stegmaier, executive vice president, strategic business development, Hexagon Mining, representing Atheeb Intergraph Saudi Company (AISC), recommends computerising the complete mining lifecycle, from exploration to rehabilitation on all levels, and the transfer of the latest proven technologies and know-how into Saudi Arabia.

Dr Stegmaier, who will help examine the kingdom’s options in developing, promoting and embracing innovation in technology, said: “Equally important, Saudi Arabia needs to work with partners who have international mining experience and a core focus on mining and are teamed with a strong Saudi team mate for in kingdom support such as AISC.”

“Decision makers within the government have to ensure a clear integration path for all data generated in the mines for consistency and efficiency. With these in place, the kingdom can benefit significantly from the transfer of technology and knowledge that will help develop its mining and minerals sector,” he added.

The Saudi Mining and Minerals show is being held for the first time, to help plot the kingdom’s path to become a major global player in the industry. The conference features insights from local and international experts who will help explore the massive opportunities within the country’s mining and minerals sector and the extended value chain, said a statement.

More than 50 exhibitors from 10 different countries are showcasing their latest technologies and products related to mining and minerals exploration, at the event, it said.

Technology and its appropriate implementation are essential to achieving the desired gains in resource utilisation, operational efficiency, safety, and security in Saudi Arabia’s mining and minerals sector, it added.

Other leading mining and technology experts will be at the conference to share their expertise on the very latest technologies and innovations in the global mining and minerals sector at a special technology panel to be participated in by Emad Al-Saadawi, director, exploration technical services, Ma’aden (Saudi Arabia); Mark Campodonic, principal resource geologist and head of geology, SRK Consulting Ltd (UK); and Graham G Clow, P Eng, chairman, principal mining engineer, RPA Inc  (Canada).

Ali Al-Naimi, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, will deliver the keynote address and will be joined by important decision-makers and thought leaders, such as Dr Zohair A Nawab, president, Saudi Geological Survey (SGS); and Sultan bin Jamal Shawli, deputy minister for mineral resources; and Khalid Al-Mudaifer, president and chief executive, Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden).

The Saudi Mining and Minerals Symposium 2015, jointly organised by MEED Events and Montgomery Star, is supported by Saudi’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources and the National Industrial Cluster Development Programme; as well as Ma’aden, Atheeb Intergraph Saudi Company, Outotec, Ali Salem Al Raddadi Factory, Saudi Specialty Chemical Ind Co Ltd, ThyssenKrupp, SRK Consulting, Roscoe Postle Associates, Inc and The Saudi British Bank. – TradeArabia News Service