Cloud Technology’s Role in Revolutionizing Saudi Arabia’s Mining Sector
Saudi Arabia’s mining industry is poised for a significant transformation with the integration of cloud computing, as highlighted by Abdullah Al-Osaimi, a senior executive at Ma’aden. Speaking at the Oracle CloudWorld Tour in Riyadh, Al-Osaimi underscored the importance of cloud technology in enhancing mining operations.
Al-Osaimi noted that mining, often conducted in remote and sparsely populated regions, relies heavily on cloud solutions for efficient exploration and production. He emphasized that a cloud strategy is vital for overcoming the challenges of operating in isolated areas.
With the nation’s Vision 2030 prioritizing mining as a key economic sector, Ma’aden is embracing technology to support its ambitious growth targets, aiming to expand tenfold by 2040. This growth depends on scalable, cost-effective, and efficient operations, achievable through cloud-based solutions.
Saudi Arabia’s proactive approach to adopting cutting-edge technologies is a central part of its development strategy. Al-Osaimi stressed the goal of not only using but also localizing these innovations within the country.
Cloud technology provides mining firms with the ability to analyze extensive exploration data in real-time, significantly shortening the traditional timeline from exploration to production. Al-Osaimi mentioned that the goal is to halve the usual 15-year process through new technologies, including AI, which enhances productivity and accuracy.
Reham Al-Musa, managing director of Oracle Saudi Arabia, highlighted Oracle’s commitment to the Kingdom’s digital economy. Oracle has invested $1.5 billion to expand its cloud capacity and was the first cloud provider to establish a data center in Saudi Arabia, with locations in Jeddah, NEOM, and Riyadh.
Oracle aims to support Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become an AI hub by providing advanced technology solutions. The company has also introduced sovereign cloud services in collaboration with Saudi Telecom Co., enhancing digital transformation in the public and enterprise sectors.
The Oracle CloudWorld Tour, typically held in Las Vegas, took place in Riyadh for the first time, marking Oracle’s 30-year involvement in Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation journey. The event showcased Oracle’s commitment to empowering Saudi organizations with advanced cloud and AI technologies.