Ma'aden (Saudi Arabian Mining Company) marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of Saudi Arabia's inaugural mining science and engineering bachelor's degree program at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM). This development represents a crucial stride towards nurturing the future workforce in the Kingdom's thriving mining sector.
The inauguration ceremony, held at KFUPM in Dharan, featured a warm welcome extended to the program's students by key figures, including H.E. Bandar Alkhorayef, the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, H.E. Eng. Khalid Al-Mudaifer, the Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Ma'aden CEO Robert Wilt, and KFUPM President Dr. Mohammed Al Saggaf.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Industry & Mineral Resources, Ma'aden is actively supporting the establishment of this bachelor's program, aimed at equipping students with the essential skills required to emerge as leaders and catalysts for change in the mining industry. Over the next decade, Ma'aden plans to sponsor 30 students annually through this program, with 20 focusing on mining engineering and 10 on geology.
During the ceremony, the Minister emphasized that this program will elevate the Kingdom's standing in the global mining arena by providing students with comprehensive training in crucial areas such as AI, machine learning, big data, programming, and entrepreneurship.
Robert Wilt, the CEO of Ma'aden, underscored the pivotal role of mining in Saudi Arabia's economic diversification and emphasized the company's commitment to investing in the next generation of mining leaders. The newly launched program is part of a broader strategy that includes initiatives such as the Schools of Excellence and the Saudi Mining Polytechnic, all geared towards fostering a highly skilled, locally sourced Saudi workforce.
The bachelor's program is designed to open up unique career pathways for students, addressing skills gaps in the mining sector. The curriculum encompasses a spectrum of technical courses, spanning from mineral ore processing to sustainability, and also includes courses on minerals economics and the business feasibility of mineral production to provide a well-rounded education.
Moreover, the degree program integrates cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics, enriching the learning experience for students.
This initiative aligns with Ma'aden's ongoing commitment to education and skills development in Saudi Arabia, contributing to the economic transformation outlined in Vision 2030. Previous endeavors include the establishment of Schools of Excellence in the Northern Borders Region and the support for the Saudi Mining Polytechnic in Arar, a pioneering institute in the Middle East.
