**Título:**
Ma’aden Launches First Saudi Mining Degree

**Intro:**
Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden), in partnership with the Ministry of Industry & Mineral Resources and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), has inaugurated Saudi Arabia’s first bachelor’s program in mining science and engineering. The initiative, aligned with Vision 2030, will train 30 students annually in AI, sustainability, and advanced technologies to bolster the Kingdom’s mining sector and economic diversification.

**Factbox:**
– **Program:** 30 students/year (20 Mining Engineering, 10 Geology).
– **Curriculum:** Integrates AI, machine learning, data analytics, and sustainability.
– **Goal:** Develop skilled leaders for Saudi’s mining sector under Vision 2030.
– **Related Initiatives:** Schools of Excellence, Saudi Mining Polytechnic.

**Ma’aden Launches Saudi Arabia’s First Mining Science and Engineering Degree Program at KFUPM**
*A Strategic Leap Toward Vision 2030 and Economic Diversification*

Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden), in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, has inaugurated the Kingdom’s first-ever **Bachelor’s Degree Program in Mining Science and Engineering** at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM). This landmark initiative marks a critical step in developing a skilled workforce to drive Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding mining sector, aligning with the nation’s Vision 2030 goals.

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### **Inauguration Ceremony: A Gathering of Visionaries**
The launch event, held at KFUPM in Dharan, brought together key stakeholders including:
– **H.E. Bandar Alkhorayef**, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources
– **H.E. Eng. Khalid Al-Mudaifer**, Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources
– **Robert Wilt**, CEO of Ma’aden
– **Dr. Mohammed Al Saggaf**, President of KFUPM

During the ceremony, students were welcomed into the program, which aims to cultivate future leaders capable of transforming the mining industry. The Minister emphasized the program’s role in positioning Saudi Arabia as a **global mining hub**, stating:
> *“This program will empower students with expertise in AI, machine learning, and entrepreneurship, ensuring the Kingdom’s leadership in sustainable and technologically advanced mining practices.”*

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### **Program Structure: Building a Talent Pipeline**
Ma’aden will sponsor **30 students annually** over the next decade, with specialized tracks in:
– **20 seats for Mining Engineering**
– **10 seats for Geology**

The curriculum blends **technical rigor** with **business acumen**, covering:
– **Core disciplines**: Mineral ore processing, geology, and sustainability.
– **Emerging technologies**: AI, machine learning, big data, and programming.
– **Business and economics**: Minerals economics, feasibility studies, and entrepreneurship.

This holistic approach ensures graduates are equipped to address industry challenges while driving innovation and operational efficiency.

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### **Strategic Alignment with Vision 2030**
The program underscores Ma’aden’s commitment to **local talent development** and economic diversification. Robert Wilt, CEO of Ma’aden, highlighted:
> *“Mining is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s non-oil future. By investing in our youth, we secure a sustainable pipeline of leaders to unlock the sector’s $1.3 trillion mineral wealth.”*

**Key Initiatives Supporting This Vision**:
1. **Schools of Excellence**: Established in the Northern Borders Region to nurture STEM talent from an early age.
2. **Saudi Mining Polytechnic**: A first-of-its-kind institute in Arar, offering vocational training tailored to industry needs.

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### **Why This Program Matters**
Saudi Arabia’s mining sector is poised to become the **third pillar of the national economy**, alongside oil and petrochemicals. By integrating cutting-edge technologies and global best practices, KFUPM’s program addresses critical skills gaps while fostering:
– **Innovation**: Preparing graduates to lead in automation and data-driven mining.
– **Sustainability**: Embedding ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles into operations.
– **Global Competitiveness**: Ensuring Saudi talent meets international standards.

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### **Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Mining**
Ma’aden’s partnership with KFUPM and the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources reflects a shared vision to transform Saudi Arabia into a **mining powerhouse**. As the first cohort embarks on their academic journey, the program stands as a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to education, innovation, and long-term economic resilience.

This initiative not only fuels Vision 2030 but also positions Saudi youth at the forefront of a sector set to redefine the nation’s industrial landscape.

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**FAQs: Ma’aden & KFUPM Mining Science and Engineering Program**

1. **What are the primary objectives behind launching Saudi Arabia’s first mining science and engineering bachelor’s program at KFUPM?**
The program aims to cultivate skilled leaders for the Kingdom’s mining sector, integrating advanced technologies like AI and sustainability training to drive economic diversification under Vision 2030.

2. **How many students will Ma’aden sponsor annually, and what specializations are offered?**
Ma’aden will sponsor 30 students yearly, with 20 specializing in Mining Engineering and 10 in Geology, focusing on technical expertise and industry leadership.

3. **How does the curriculum incorporate emerging technologies like AI and machine learning?**
Courses include AI, machine learning, big data, and programming to prepare students for tech-driven mining operations and innovation in resource management.

4. **What role does this program play in advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals?**
It supports economic diversification by developing a local workforce for the mining sector, reducing oil dependency, and enhancing global competitiveness through specialized education.

5. **Which key organizations collaborated to establish this program, and what are their roles?**
Ma’aden, KFUPM, and the Ministry of Industry & Mineral Resources partnered to design the curriculum, secure funding, and align training with industry needs.

6. **What career pathways will graduates have access to within Saudi Arabia’s mining sector?**
Graduates can pursue roles in mineral exploration, sustainability management, AI-driven operations, and leadership positions in both public and private mining enterprises.

7. **How does the program address skill gaps in Saudi Arabia’s mining industry?**
It combines technical training (ore processing, geology) with courses in entrepreneurship and mineral economics to create versatile professionals ready for sector challenges.

8. **What distinguishes KFUPM’s mining program from others in the Middle East?**
It is the region’s first to blend traditional mining engineering with cutting-edge tech, sustainability, and business strategy, backed by industry partnerships and Vision 2030 alignment.

9. **Why are entrepreneurship and mineral economics included in the curriculum?**
These courses equip students to assess project viability, drive innovation, and lead business transformations, ensuring holistic industry-ready expertise.

10. **What prior educational initiatives has Ma’aden supported in Saudi mining?**
Ma’aden established Schools of Excellence in Northern Borders and the Saudi Mining Polytechnic, focusing on vocational training and technical skills for sector growth.

11. **How does the program integrate sustainability into mining education?**
Sustainability modules cover eco-friendly extraction, resource management, and environmental regulations, aligning with global standards and Saudi green initiatives.

12. **What is the significance of teaching minerals economics and business feasibility?**
These subjects enable graduates to analyze market trends, optimize resource investments, and contribute to profitable, sustainable mining projects in Saudi Arabia.

13. **What benefits do Ma’aden-sponsored students receive during and after the program?**
Sponsorship includes financial support, industry mentorship, and potential employment opportunities, fostering a pipeline of skilled professionals for Ma’aden and the sector.

14. **How will this program enhance Saudi Arabia’s global mining competitiveness?**
By producing experts adept in AI, sustainability, and innovation, the Kingdom aims to become a leader in mineral production and technological adoption globally.

15. **How do data analytics and programming courses enhance mining education outcomes?**
These skills enable students to optimize exploration, streamline operations, and implement predictive maintenance, boosting efficiency and safety in mining projects.

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Each FAQ addresses distinct aspects of the program, its strategic alignment, and its impact on Saudi Arabia’s mining sector and broader economic goals.

**CTA (Llamado a la Acción):**
¿Listo para ser parte del futuro de la minería en Arabia Saudita? **¡Inscríbete en el programa de Ciencias Mineras e Ingeniería de KFUPM y conviértete en un líder de la industria!** Descubre más sobre las oportunidades de becas y colaboración con Ma’aden visitando [maaden.com.sa](https://www.maaden.com.sa) o sigue sus redes sociales para actualizaciones.

**Conclusión:**
El lanzamiento del primer programa de licenciatura en Ciencias Mineras e Ingeniería no solo refuerza el compromiso de Arabia Saudita con la excelencia tecnológica y educativa, sino que también sienta las bases para una industria minera innovadora y sostenible. Al integrar habilidades técnicas, tecnologías de vanguardia y visión empresarial, esta iniciativa impulsará la diversificación económica del Reino y posicionará a los jóvenes saudíes como protagonistas de un sector clave para el éxito de la Visión 2030.

**Agradecimiento:**
Ma’aden y KFUPM extienden su gratitud al Ministerio de Industria y Recursos Minerales, a los líderes académicos y a todos los colaboradores que hicieron posible este hito educativo. Su apoyo refleja el espíritu de colaboración necesario para transformar el potencial minero del Reino en una realidad próspera e inclusiva. ¡Juntos, estamos construyendo el futuro!

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