New Hexagon–Ma’aden Initiatives Link Digital Mining Technology with Education and Workforce Development

New Hexagon–Ma’aden Initiatives Link Digital Mining Technology with Education and Workforce Development

(IN BRIEF) Hexagon and Ma’aden are deepening their strategic partnership to strengthen mining education and workforce development across the Middle East, with new initiatives unveiled at the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh. Through collaborations with leading Saudi universities, the partnership aims to modernise curricula, integrate digital mining technologies and create clearer career pathways for students, including the Kingdom’s first female mining cohort, supporting long-term talent development alongside technological transformation.

(PRESS RELEASE) STOCKHOLM, 8-Jan-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Hexagon and Ma’aden are expanding their long-standing collaboration to place workforce development and education at the centre of mining transformation in the Middle East. The two organisations are set to formalise a new phase of cooperation at the upcoming Future Minerals Forum, taking place in Riyadh from 13 to 15 January 2026.

The strengthened partnership builds on previous joint work, including the development of the region’s first digital mine at Mansourah-Massarah. This next phase shifts focus toward preparing future mining professionals by aligning academic programmes with the technologies, skills and operational realities of modern mining.

A key element of the initiative is a collaboration with King Abdulaziz University, supported by national leadership, aimed at modernising mining curricula. The programme integrates advanced digital mining tools into academic teaching, offers hands-on training opportunities and creates clearer pathways from university education into industry roles.

The timing of the initiative coincides with a landmark development for Saudi Arabia’s mining sector: the launch of the first female mining student cohort at King Abdulaziz University. This milestone reflects broader efforts across the Kingdom to diversify the mining workforce and expand access to technical careers for women.

Beyond King Abdulaziz University, Hexagon is also working with King Saud University and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. These collaborations include access to Hexagon’s software platforms, training for students and faculty, and internship placements for high-performing students at Hexagon’s Riyadh office, helping bridge academic learning with real-world industry experience.

At the Future Minerals Forum exhibition, Hexagon will showcase its integrated portfolio of mining solutions spanning planning, safety, automation and operational intelligence, highlighting how digital ecosystems are reshaping productivity and sustainability across global mining operations.

Dave Goddard, President of Hexagon’s Mining division, will participate in a panel discussion examining how emerging technologies and new talent pipelines are influencing mineral preparation and the broader mining value chain. Speaking ahead of the forum, Goddard emphasised that long-term industry success depends as much on people as it does on technology, noting that investment in skills, education and inclusion is essential to sustain innovation in mining.

Journalists covering FMF 2026 are invited to contact Hexagon to arrange interviews, briefings, or meetings. Access our media kit here.

About Hexagon:

Hexagon is the global leader in measurement technologies. We provide the confidence that vital industries rely on to build, navigate, and innovate. From microns to Mars, our solutions ensure productivity, quality, safety, and sustainability in everything from manufacturing and construction to mining and autonomous systems.

Hexagon (Nasdaq Stockholm: HEXA B) has approximately 24,800 employees in 50 countries and net sales of approximately 5.4bn EUR. Learn more at hexagon.com.

Media Contact:

Neville Judd
Director, Marketing Communications
Hexagon’s Mining division
neville.judd@hexagon.com
Tel: 1.604.977.3943

SOURCE: Hexagon