In the journey towards the fulfillment of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is experiencing a fierce competition for skilled professionals. The CEO of the Saudi mining conglomerate Ma’aden, Robert Wilt, indicated in an interview that the corporation is highly dedicated to the development and care of its team, aiming to become the employer of preference within the nation. Wilt emphasized the necessity to excel in attracting and keeping the talent required for the company’s expansion.
Ma’aden is currently recognized as one of the most rapidly expanding entities in the global mining sector, boasting an impressive compound annual growth rate of 27 percent. Wilt shared plans that are set to increase the company’s size tenfold in the coming decade, which are part of the broader objectives in line with Saudi Arabia’s strategic vision.
The company, primarily focused on domestic resources, has recently embarked on an international venture through a partnership with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) known as Manara Minerals. With this move, billions are slated to be invested in mining operations worldwide, with the aim of bringing critical minerals to Saudi Arabia’s processing hubs. Wilt regards the PIF’s Manara Minerals as a stepping stone for the company to venture beyond Saudi borders.
Upon his appointment as CEO in 2022, Wilt disclosed that Ma’aden’s strategy would require an investment of $58 billion, exploration throughout the kingdom, and operational enhancements to meet its new goals. He acknowledged that achieving these ambitions would be unattainable without significant changes in the company’s approach.
One of the pivotal shifts on the horizon for Ma’aden is the planned tripling of its workforce over the next ten years. The company aims to sharpen its competitive edge in terms of employee value, skills development, leadership cultivation, and capacity building, all while maintaining a strong emphasis on nurturing and advancing its staff.
Wilt envisions Ma’aden becoming a major economic pillar in Saudi Arabia, alongside giants such as Aramco and SABIC. To illustrate Ma’aden’s influence, he pointed out that the company is the second-largest global exporter of phosphates, contributing to the sustenance of 18 percent of the world’s population. Its aluminum business is integral to producing goods like Red Bull cans and is a component in vehicles from brands like Jaguar, Land Rover, and BMW.
A recent exploration has led to a significant discovery for Ma’aden, potentially doubling the company’s gold reserves annually. This find is located along a stretch extending 100 kilometers from the Mansourah Massarah gold mine, potentially positioning the kingdom as a major player in the gold industry.
Looking forward, Ma’aden has its sights set on becoming the second-largest phosphate importer and one of the top aluminum companies in the Western world, while aiming to triple its gold business. The forthcoming five years are projected to be a time of remarkable growth for Ma’aden as it advances towards its goal of becoming a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s economy.
Wilt concluded by emphasizing a culture of continuous improvement within Ma’aden, with a focus on reevaluating every aspect of the company’s operations to enhance efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness.