How important is KSA in FLS’ growth journey and what are the main market trends you observe?

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia plays a crucial role in FLS’ growth journey. The region’s strategic location, abundant mineral resources make it a key market for our expansion. Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a hub for the mineral value chain aligns perfectly with FLS’ strategy of providing full flow sheet technology and services.

There is a strong focus on sustainable solutions, driven by global environmental concerns and regulatory pressures. Programs like FLS’ MissionZero, which aims for zero emissions, water waste, and energy waste by 2030, are well-positioned to meet these demands. At the same time, digital transformation is accelerating as the industry adopts advanced technologies like analytics and automation to enhance efficiency and cut costs. FLS’ digital solutions are playing a vital role in helping customers optimize their processes and boost productivity. Another significant trend is the rising demand for critical minerals essential for green technologies, such as electric vehicles and renewable energy. With a rich mineral endowment and proactive policies, Saudi Arabia is emerging as a key player in this sector. Together, these trends and Saudi Arabia’s strategic initiatives offer substantial opportunities for FLS to drive growth and innovation in the mining industry. FLS has set out a target to provide zero-emission solutions to the mining sector by 2030.

Could you walk us through these ambitions and the kind of product innovations you are bringing to the market?

Our approach involves identifying and quantifying opportunities to improve sustainability across the entire flowsheet, together with delivering operational and financial benefits. These efforts are driving incremental changes today while also supporting the development of our MissionZero mine flowsheets, aiming at zero energy waste, zero water waste and supporting the industry’s decarbonization efforts.

Our strategy is already yielding tangible results. For example, FLS’ LoadIQ mill scanning technology optimizes mill loading to maximize energy efficiency in grinding, ultimately achieving the best results at the lowest costs. At a copper mine in the US where this technology was applied, there was a 10% throughput increase, an 8% energy reduction, and a 9% reduction in the energy-per-ton of copper produced. LoadIQ leverages data to improve and optimize equipment performance, both in terms of productivity and profitability.

Another example is our filtration technology, which was applied at an Australian iron ore mine. By upgrading the mine’s horizontal belt filters to operate with blowers and roller belt supports compared to the previous vacuum pumps and air deck belt systems, we achieved a 29% energy savings, and consequently a 29% reduction in CO2 emissions and water savings of 383,162 m³ per year. The roller deck systems also entail lower maintenance downtime, indirectly supporting higher production rates.

Lastly, across the full flowsheet, the most energy-intensive processes are crushing and grinding. We developed the HPGR/HPGR Pro for a more efficient and sustainable comminution. This advanced technology delivers up to 20% higher throughput while reducing energy consumption by up to 15% and extending roller life by up to 30%. With a “Centre of Excellence for HPGRs” established in Africa, this technology is already in use at mining sites across Europe and around the world.

Some say local support is even more important than before. Do you agree and if so, why?

FLS is fully committed to maintaining a strong local presence with robust capabilities across the region and beyond. The logistical challenges of traveling between countries make it even more crucial to stay closely connected with your partners and respond quickly when needed. At FLS, we support a mine throughout its entire lifecycle, so it’s essential that we are on the ground to deliver the highest level of service and achieve optimal results.

Do you have a concluding message for our international readers?

FLS is engaged in the latest developments in mining, leveraging our technology, R&D efforts, and resources to drive more sustainable practices. We empower the future of mining and are evolving together with the mining industry. Beyond providing products, we deliver comprehensive solutions and services that enhance the productivity and profitability of our partners. We support miners’ evolving needs and drive proven innovation to uncover opportunities for tomorrow’s mine.