By Neville Judd
If you attend a lot of mining shows, you’ll eventually witness a panel discussion on “the mine of the future”, or variations on that theme. If you’re important enough, you may even be on the panel.
At mining events worldwide, Hexagon executives and subject matter experts have participated in numerous such discussions since the company’s mining division formed 10 years ago. While opinions may vary on the details, a consensus emerges about the mine of the future.
We don’t know what the mine of the future looks like, but here’s what we do know: regardless of what the mine of the future may look like, Hexagon will be there, providing relevant solutions to workflows, building partnerships based on trust, and delivering value to customers.
The mine of the future is not a grand vision to be imposed on miners. The mine of the future will be built by listening to customers and helping them get the most out of their operations with the right solutions.
Imagine, for instance, a mine where daily operations are optimised, value is maximised over its life, and safety is priority No. 1.
That sounds a bit like Ma’aden, the world’s fastest-growing mining company. Ma’aden is using Hexagon technology to build the Middle East’s first digital mine at Mansourah-Massarah, Saudi Arabia.
Mansourah-Massarah, Saudi Arabia
Ma’aden prioritising safety without compromising productivity
Within one month of using Hexagon solutions, the Saudi Arabian company saw a 7% fuel efficiency improvement, a 2% waste dilution improvement, and 1% less ore loss.
Using Hexagon’s Operator Alertness System (OAS) to monitor driver fatigue around the clock, Ma’aden accomplished all of this without compromising the safety of its employees.
Fatigue contributes to at least 20% of all workplace incidents and costs employers $135 billion annually, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
Hexagon OAS employs advanced sensor technology and machine-learning algorithms to monitor operators’ alertness levels. When signs of distraction, drowsiness, or microsleeps are detected, operators receive real-time notifications, providing a crucial layer of protection during their shifts.
Duncan Bradford, Ma’aden’s Executive Vice President of Base Metals and New Minerals Business Unit, oversaw Ma’aden’s digital strategy. An engineer who grew up in an Australian coal mining town, Bradford has experience in leading underground and open pit mines all over the world.
“The partnership with Hexagon is unlike many I’ve seen in my operations,” Bradford says. “We wanted Hexagon to help us manage and monitor our entire fleet, ore dilution, blasting and our operator fatigue.”
Ma’aden’s Duncan Bradford, Executive Vice President of Base Metals and New Minerals Business Unit
Mining FMS key to removing transportation bottlenecks
Ma’aden integrated Hexagon’s fleet management technology, Hexagon OP Pro, to its 60+ vehicles on-site. Digitalisation allows Ma’aden to track its transportation process, remove bottlenecks, and keep its drivers safe while transporting more ore.
OP Pro helps master the fleet by automating processes, optimising haulage and blending, and delivering situational awareness. By integrating data and automating production cycles and operations workflows, OP Pro helps mines with the right information at the right time to better use their equipment, improve their workflows, reduce costs and improve productivity.
Bradford says production is the second priority behind safety in the mine. “Everyone should be able to go home to their families at night,” he says. “Hexagon is allowing us to digitise and automate our process so we can take people out of the situations that could put them at risk.”
Like most mines, Ma’aden operates around the clock. Hexagon OAS boosts safety by monitoring driver fatigue and alerting the control centre when a driver needs a break.
Mansourah-Massarah, Saudi Arabia
Mansourah-Massarah a blueprint for future mines
Imansah Rustam Effendi, Lead Dispatch Engineer in the control centre, says they use OAS to detect microsleeps. “It helps save our drivers from accidents and our equipment from failure,” he says. “Hexagon is playing a vital role in advancing the mining industry through innovative technology and efficiency, safety and sustainability.”
Mansourah-Massarah’s digitalisation means Ma’aden can replicate its faster gold production and higher safety standards at its other mines. As Bradford puts it, “I see the relationship between Ma’aden and Hexagon really benefiting both parties. We’re using Hexagon as a blueprint for this mine and all our future mines.”
As Ma’aden plans its next big mine for 2028 – double the size and production of Mansourah-Massarah – Bradford plans to digitally optimise the mine from day one.
Hexagon partners with many mining companies. By staying grounded, by understanding the real issues customers face, and by providing them with the tools to tackle those problems, we straighten the path to the mine of the future.
Whatever shape the mine of the future takes.
- Get more from our technology by attending one of Hexagon’s regional mining events. Learn more.
Throughout 2025 we’ll be blogging about the challenges facing the mining industry. Drawing upon insights from thought leaders in our customer community and from within Hexagon, we’ll share how trusted partnerships and proven technology are addressing those challenges, helping to improve safety and cut costs while balancing the demands of productivity and sustainability.