Rare Earth Exchanges

Ma’aden Inks Deal with Australia’s Fleet Space and Tahreez to Advance Saudi Arabia’s Mineral Exploration

Leave a Comment

Highlights

  • Ma’aden, Fleet Space, and Tahreez collaborate to transform mineral exploration in Saudi Arabia using innovative ExoSphere technology.
  • ExoSphere platform enables 3D subsurface imaging and AI-driven drill targeting with low environmental impact across depths up to 7 km.
  • Partnership supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of economic diversification, sustainability, and technological innovation in mining.

Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden (opens in a new tab)) has partnered with Fleet Space (opens in a new tab), an Australian space exploration leader, and Tahreez (opens in a new tab), a subsidiary of Alturki Holding, to revolutionize mineral exploration in Saudi Arabia. Through a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the collaboration will integrate cutting-edge technologies, including Fleet Space’s ExoSphere platform (opens in a new tab), to unlock the Kingdom’s mineral potential and accelerate the discovery of resources within the Arabian Shield.

ExoSphere, Fleet Space’s innovative technology, combines real-time 3D subsurface imaging, AI-driven drill targeting, and low environmental impact processes to identify high-value mineral deposits at depths of up to 7 km. Already utilized by global mining leaders, the platform will now support Ma’aden’s efforts to achieve Vision 2030 goals of economic diversification and sustainability. A dedicated regional task force will deploy this technology across Ma’aden’s projects, enabling faster and more precise exploration.

“This partnership reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a leader in mining innovation,” said Bob Wilt, CEO of Ma’aden. “By integrating advanced exploration technologies, we’re accelerating our growth strategy and contributing to the global mineral value chain.”

The implications of this collaboration are significant. It potentially positions Saudi Arabia as a key player in sustainable mining practices while advancing its leadership in global mineral exploration. By leveraging ExoSphere’s capabilities, Ma’aden can enhance operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and fast-track resource discoveries. This move aligns with Vision 2030’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and economic diversification.

As Fleet Space continues to expand its ExoSphere platform with new satellites and advanced AI, this partnership highlights how space-age technology is reshaping mining on Earth—and potentially beyond, as Fleet develops lunar exploration capabilities. The Ma’aden-Fleet-Tahreez alliance could set a new standard for mining innovation, benefiting both the Kingdom and the global minerals market.

The Company

Fleet Space Technologies, founded in 2015 by Flavia Tata Nardini (opens in a new tab) and Matt Pearson, (opens in a new tab) is based in Beverly, South Australia. 

Why was Fleet Space founded?

  • To use space exploration technologies to accelerate decarbonization and global energy transition 
  • To connect the Earth, Moon, and Mars using space technology 
  • To create low-cost satellite-based systems for industrial IoT applications

What has Fleet Space done?

  • Launched Australia’s first four commercial nanosatellites in 2018 
  • Developed ExoSphere, which integrates LEO satellites, smart seismic sensors, and AI 
  • Secured a contract with Australia’s Defence Space Command in 2023 
  • Secured a contract with the Australian Space Agency for its Moon to Mars: Demonstrator program

Spread the word: