The Saudi Mining & Minerals Exhibition & Symposium 2015 was told today that the Saudi Arabian Mining Company Maaden plans to increase its number of employees to 9,000 in 2020 from 7,000 at present to support further increases in the company’s mining and minerals activities.

Maaden human resources vice president Fouzi  Bubshait said that the company has developed a comprehensive management, professional and technical training programme, and that its Saudiisation rate has now reached 65 per cent.

“The key challenge is promoting a mindset in your organisation that appreciates learning,” Bubshait said.

Maaden is the Middle East’s largest mining and minerals company. Its projects include the Ras al-Khair mineral city and the Waad al-Shamal phosphates project. Maaden and TVTC set up the Saudi Mining Polytechnic in Arar and is supporting the establishment of a second mining industry vocational institute in Waad al-Shamal, which is due to open in 2017.

The inaugural event for Saudi Arabia’s mining industry is designed to engage all stakeholders in the sector from upstream exploration to downstream industrial development. More than 3,000 delegates and visitors are expected. The exhibition features 50 exhibitors from 10 countries. 

The Saudi Mining & Minerals Exhibition & Symposium 2015 is jointly organised by MEED Events and Montgomery Star. Sponsors are Saudi Arabian Mining Company Ma’aden, Atheeb Intergraph Saudi Company, Outotec, Ali Salem Al Raddadi Factory, Saudi Specialty Chemical Industries Company Limited (SSCI), ThyssenKrupp, SRK Consulting, Roscoe Postle Associates and The Saudi British Bank.

The exhibition and symposium is taking place until 29 October at the Prince Sultan Grand Hall, Al Faisaliah Exhibition & Convention Centre in Riyadh.

For more about the event, see:  www.saudi-mining.com.