Maaden Appoints Donovan Waller to Lead Mining Tech Future
Saudi mining giant Maaden brings on board Donovan Waller as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO).
Donovan, a recognised technology executive within the mining scene, has previously led initiatives at the British company Anglo American.
This strategic recruitment indicates a focus on prioritising technology integration at Maaden's core operations.
The company says Donovan’s appointment is “a strategic step that reinforces our commitment to innovation and the integration of advanced technologies across our operations”.
Introducing Donovan Waller
Donovan Waller comes with an impressive track record of technology advancements in the industrial sector.
His previous role was with Anglo American as Chief Information Officer (CIO), where he played a pivotal role in developing their FutureSmart Mining programme.
This programme integrates state-of-the-art technology and ecological considerations to create operations that are safer, more efficient and environmentally conscious.
Maaden adds: “Donovan brings more than three decades of international experience in industrial technology development, driving competitive advantage at the intersection of business value creation, emerging technology trends and applied R&D.”
His expertise goes beyond traditional IT functions, having successfully deployed substantial operational technology (OT) systems essential for linking components such as autonomous trucks and processing plants.
Donovan’s proficiency in data analysis, automation and comprehensive digital integration, backed by his tenure at PwC, equips him exceptionally well to manage Maaden's tech-focused objectives.
What is Maaden?
Maaden is the principal mining and metals firm in Saudi Arabia and stands as the foremost multi-commodity mining enterprise in the Middle East.
Based in Riyadh, it plays a central role in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to utilise the country's mineral abundance to boost economic diversity away from oil reliance.
The company's operations cover a broad range, making it a global leader in phosphate fertiliser and aluminium production, overseeing activities from bauxite extraction to final rolling product manufacturing.
It also extends substantial operations in gold and base metals such as copper.
With extensive investment in technology and sustainable practices, this state-backed behemoth aims to become a formidable force within global resources, transforming the Kingdom into a preeminent industrial and logistics hub.
Donovan's tie to Saudi Vision 2030
Donovan's role is set to hasten Maaden's integration of a complex technology infrastructure aimed at transforming raw materials into digital-led value.
He is not just a CTO but also a key technological facilitator of a national imperative.
His role in integrating advanced tech at Maaden ties closely to Vision 2030’s objective to establish a prominent, diversified industrial sector globally.
Maaden takes on the task of elevating mining to a primary component in the economic framework of the nation, a major Vision 2030 emphasis.
Donovan's endeavours in deploying cutting-edge solutions such as AI and automation to enhance Maaden's global competitiveness are essential for digital and economic diversification goals away from oil.
The tech stack for the mine of the future
Donovan's entry as CTO is anticipated to expedite the implementation of a high-tech framework, constructing what is envisioned as the ‘mine of the future.’
Key to this will be an Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) setup, which will act as a comprehensive digital matrix connecting vehicles, sensors and facilities across sites.
This digital pipeline will feed into an AI and analytics platform, creating a digital twin of the mine, a virtual counterpart used for simulation and efficiency.
AI systems will consistently process data to foresee maintenance requirements, preventing avoidable downtimes by identifying potential faults.
They will be employed to refine every phase of mineral processing for maximum productivity.
Automated functions across the mine will be enabled through autonomous vehicles and robotic drills, creating a 24/7, precise and safe operation.
A focus on sustainability will guide all functions, using tech to minimise resource consumption, lower emissions, and enhance energy use, ensuring Maaden meets global ESG expectations.
For Maaden and Saudi Arabia, this technological advancement fortifies their reliability and prominence in the mineral supply chain.
As CTO, Donovan's journey is about more than mere ongoing management: it's about innovations that move tonnes, improve efficiencies and foster safety.
His appointment underscores the future of mining as deeply interwoven with that of technological evolution.
