JEDDAH — Engineering group DRA has secured a contract with Saudi Arabia's mining group Ma'aden Gold and Base Metals (MGBM) for the Ad Duwayhi gold mine, located 450km southwest of Riyadh.



According to DRA, mining at the project will be performed using open-pit methods.



The operation will have a conventional gold extraction process plant with crushing and milling facilities, and gravity concentration, as well as smelting facilities to produce gold doré on site.



MGBM has opted to engage the services of the minerals processing company DRA to operate and maintain the plant.



Minopex, the operations division of DRA in Southern Africa, has been operating and maintaining plants since 1996.



DRA Saudi Arabia managing director Rashid Kader said: "The award of this contract is a major step forward for DRA in Saudi Arabia.



"This new entity also gives us a crucial foothold in a region rich in minerals."



"Our office in Saudi Arabia will be based in Jeddah, over and above being able to service MGBM at the Ad Duwayhi mine, this new entity also gives us a crucial foothold in a region rich in minerals."



DRA is deploying specialists to Saudi Arabia whose responsibilities will include pre-commissioning the plant.



The company's operations team will take responsibilities for process engineering, specialist maintenance, asset management safety as well as training.



Kader added: "Adapting to harsh conditions and challenging environments to meet our clients' objectives is one of our great strengths at DRA." — SG/Agencies