Golden Horizons: Maaden and Metso Forge a Future in Sustainable Gold Processing

A Landmark Partnership in the Heart of Saudi Arabia

In a bold stride toward innovation and sustainability, **Maaden has commissioned Metso to supply a gold processing plant for their Ar Rjum mine located in the Makkah Region, approximately 200 km northeast of Ta’if, Ar Rjum in Saudi Arabia**. This high-value venture, worth approximately EUR 128 million, is a testament to both companies’ commitment to advancing gold production while harmonizing with the Kingdom’s economic diversification strategy. Notably, this investment is positioned as a milestone in Saudi Arabia’s quest to expand its mining sector—a vision aligned with its long-term national development goals.  

The project’s contract is structured with precision: EUR 24 million booked in Metso’s Minerals segment’s 2025 third-quarter order intake, and EUR 104 million in the fourth quarter. Furthermore, advisory services for equipment installation, commissioning, and start-up form a separate Service contract, ensuring seamless integration of technology and operations. This partnership embodies a perfect blend of engineering expertise and strategic foresight.  

Engineering Excellence from Ore to Doré

Metso’s delivery is nothing short of comprehensive. They will provide an **end-to-end gold processing line**—from raw ore to refined doré bars. This includes a robust crushing station, advanced conveying systems, and a grinding circuit equipped with SAG and ball mills. The facility’s processing chain will also feature pre-leaching and carbon-in-leach (CIL) systems, tailings thickeners, gravity separation units, an elution plant, and gold room technologies. But Metso’s scope doesn’t end there; process electrification, field instrumentation, automation, and detailed engineering for the entire plant are part of the package.  

With over **25 years of local presence in the Middle East**, Metso is no stranger to the terrain, the challenges, and the opportunities. Their localized knowledge combined with global technological prowess ensures that the plant will operate at peak efficiency—maximizing gold recovery while upholding stringent environmental standards. It’s more than just technology; it’s a statement of sustainable growth, responsible resource management, and innovation-driven progress.  

A Golden Future Awaits

This joint effort between Maaden and Metso paints a vivid picture of tomorrow’s mining industry—sustainable, efficient, and deeply connected to community and national goals. As gold flows from the deserts of Ar Rjum, it brings with it the promise of growth, prosperity, and an enduring legacy forged in golden ambitions. 

Desert Sun, Infinite Power: AIKO’s Revolutionary Debut at WFES 2026 in Abu Dhabi

A Dazzling Showcase in the Heart of Abu Dhabi

The shimmering sands of the **Middle East** were no match for the brilliance inside the **Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC)**, where the **18th World Future Energy Summit & Exhibition (WFES 2026)** unfolded in grand style. Against a backdrop of innovation and ambition, global leaders in renewable energy gathered to explore the future of solar power. Among them, one name captured the spotlight—**AIKO**.  

From the moment the exhibition doors opened, AIKO’s impressive showcase of its **ABC product portfolio** radiated confidence and mastery. This technology isn’t just a step forward—it’s a leap into a new era of solar value. Leveraging the region’s **abundant sunshine, high irradiance levels, and demanding desert climate**, AIKO unveiled solutions precisely tailored to thrive under temperatures soaring up to **50°C** and the unique challenges of sand shading. Their superior temperature coefficient of **-.26%/°**, shading optimization, and high-temperature suppression functions set a new gold standard for module durability and efficiency.  

The Infinite Technology That’s Redefining Solar

Transitioning from promise to proof, AIKO introduced its stunning **ABC Infinite modules**—available in 54, 60, and 72-cell formats—that cater to virtually every photovoltaic scenario. With chic **pure black aesthetics** achieved by precision overlapping soldering and hidden busbars, these modules aren’t just high-performing; they’re design statements. The results speak for themselves: in the **72-cell format**, a **power output of 680W to 685W**—up to **50W more** than conventional TOPCon modules—showcases why AIKO stays at the forefront.  

Safety and reliability were equally emphasized. Thicker glass layers, enhanced micro-crack resistance, and TÜV Rheinland’s *world’s first “module-level fire risk prevention” certificate* reinforced AIKO’s dedication to operational security under **extreme heat** and **partial shading**. Visitors were wowed by live high-temperature suppression and micro-crack resistance demonstrations, visually proving why AIKO’s technology reigns supreme in the desert environment.  

But AIKO’s vision didn’t stop at raw performance. Their **Anti-dust module innovation** tackled a critical issue for desert PV projects—the costly O&M burden from dust accumulation. Thanks to a patented short-frame design with no A-side dust retention, these modules boost self-cleaning, reduce shading losses, and deliver **over 2% more annual generation**—a trifecta of lower maintenance, higher yield, and longer life span.  

Partnerships, Progress, and the Path to Zero-Carbon

The excitement wasn’t confined to the exhibition hall. At the vibrant *"Illuminating Tomorrow, Powering Partnerships—2026 AIKO NIGHT"* gala, E. Ulrich DEDO, Head of Channel Development and C&I for the Middle East and Africa, unveiled remarkable improvements in bifacial rate—from **40% to 80%**—and a boost in effective sunlight capture, adding a power increase of **10W** per module. This optimization not only enhances efficiency but also reduces BOS costs, making solar more financially compelling for large-scale projects.  

These innovations translated into tangible deals. AIKO secured **1.5GW of shipment commitments** for 2026 across the **Middle East and Africa**, backed by strategic partnerships with over 15 channel partners. This wasn’t just product promotion—it was a declaration of leadership, vision, and readiness to usher societies into a **zero-carbon era**.  

From the deserts of Abu Dhabi to global rooftops, AIKO’s ABC technology is proving that the sun’s infinite power can be harnessed with elegance, efficiency, and endurance.”** With innovation as their compass, AIKO is building a sustainable solar ecosystem, driving energy transformation, and ensuring that the world’s renewable ambition shines brighter than ever.  

Forging the Future: How Riyadh Is Redefining Global Mineral Cooperation

A Defining Moment in Mineral Diplomacy

Under the gleaming desert sky of **Riyadh, Saudi Arabia**, the **5th Ministerial Roundtable** of the **Future Minerals Forum (FMF)** unfolded as more than just an event — it became a bold statement of unity and purpose. Minister **Bandar Alkhorayef**’s opening remarks reverberated across the assembly hall, declaring this gathering as the largest global ministerial meeting of its kind. Participation has surged since the FMF’s launch in 2022, growing from 32 governments to representatives from over 100 countries, alongside 59 international organizations, including all G20 member states.  

This breathtaking expansion echoes a truth that is now impossible to ignore: mineral supply is no longer a solitary national concern, but a shared global responsibility. By bridging borders and fostering dialogue, the FMF is setting the stage for responsive, resilient, and sustainable mineral supply chains that can withstand the challenges of our rapidly evolving world.

Building Permanent Pathways to Progress

Transitions from inspiration to action were swift and decisive. The **Ministerial Roundtable** announced the creation of a **Permanent Ministerial Steering Group**, charged with providing strategic guidance, monitoring initiatives, and identifying new opportunities for collaboration. With its rotating membership ensuring balanced geographic representation, this group promises to maintain momentum and accountability well beyond the forum’s conclusion.  

Vice-Minister **Khalid Al-Mudaifer** further cemented this sense of forward motion by outlining keystone progress for 2025. The **Future Minerals Framework** emerged as a powerful tool for scaling infrastructure financing, supported by the **World Bank Group**, which is now exploring funding opportunities across seven priority corridors in Africa and Latin America. Clear standards for responsible mining, backed by traceability systems, are being developed to instill transparency across supply chains. Moreover, a Network of Centers of Excellence is taking shape across Africa, West and Central Asia, and Latin America, ensuring that talent, technology, and knowledge will flow seamlessly across continents.

From Vision to Local Value

Notably, Ms. **Valerie Levkoff** of the **World Bank Group** unveiled a forward-looking minerals strategy aimed at empowering supplier countries. By extending value chains into regional processing and manufacturing, this vision promises more than resource extraction — it ensures local value creation and employment growth. This is not just strategic; it is transformative, giving communities a tangible stake in the global mineral economy.  

The conclusion of the **5th Ministerial Roundtable** in Riyadh leaves behind more than agreements and frameworks — it offers a blueprint for a cooperative and sustainable mineral future. From high-level commitments to grassroots impact, the forum proves that when nations work together, minerals become not just commodities, but catalysts for prosperity and shared progress.