By: International mining

With the 2026 Future Minerals Forum approaching in Riyadh, focus is turning to Saudi Arabia's mining potential. Production is currently dominated by contractors like Byrnecut, whose long-term role is set to continue.

Byrnecut has built on fifteen years of success at the Jabal Sayid copper mine. The company began work in 2010 under the original owner, Citadel Resource Group, handling dewatering and rehabilitation before the mine's ownership transitioned to the current 50/50 joint venture between Barrick and Ma’aden. Byrnecut commenced its full mine operations contract in 2015, managing all development and production using large-scale longhole open stoping methods and a fleet of Sandvik equipment.

The mine is a major producer, with output forecast to reach up to 70,000 tonnes of copper in 2025. Byrnecut recently completed development of the nearby Lode 1 extension, which involved significant infrastructure upgrades and the implementation of systems like the LiveMine platform for data capture and productivity optimization.

Steve Coughlan, Byrnecut’s Group Executive Chairman, stated the company applies its global standards of safety and reliability at Jabal Sayid, which is Saudi Arabia’s largest underground mine. He emphasized the company's commitment to workforce localization and its hopes for future opportunities as the Kingdom's mining sector develops.

Regarding equipment innovation, Coughlan noted Byrnecut collaborates closely with OEMs like Sandvik and Epiroc on new technologies, including diesel-electric and battery-electric powertrains. While Byrnecut is actively trialing new equipment, adoption in Saudi Arabia would depend on client decisions. The potential for greener operations is supported by Saudi Arabia's renewable energy goals and Jabal Sayid's recent switch from diesel generators to grid power.