Maaden selects Metso to supply a full gold processing plant for Saudi Arabia’s Ar Rjum mine, supporting mining diversification and sustainability goals.
Maaden has awarded Metso a major contract to deliver a complete gold processing plant for the Ar Rjum gold project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Ar Rjum mine is situated in the Makkah Region, around 200 kilometers northeast of Ta’if, and represents a strategically important development within Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding mining sector.
The total value of the order is estimated at approximately EUR 128 million. Of this amount, around EUR 24 million was recorded in Metso’s Minerals segment order intake during the third quarter of 2025, while the remaining EUR 104 million is scheduled to be recognized in the fourth quarter. In addition to the core equipment supply contract, Metso will also provide advisory services covering equipment installation, commissioning, and plant start-up. These services will be delivered under a separate service agreement and are expected to be booked at a later stage.
Metso’s scope of delivery covers a fully integrated, end-to-end gold processing solution designed to take ore from the mine through to doré production. The processing line begins with a crushing station and associated conveying systems that ensure efficient material handling. This is followed by a robust grinding circuit featuring both semi-autogenous (SAG) mills and ball mills, along with all required auxiliary equipment to support stable and high-capacity operations.
The downstream processing flowsheet includes pre-leaching stages and a carbon-in-leach (CIL) leaching circuit, which is widely recognized for its effectiveness in gold recovery. To support responsible tailings management, the plant will also incorporate final tailings thickeners. In addition, a gravity separation circuit will be installed to enhance gold recovery efficiency, complemented by an elution plant and advanced gold room technologies for the production of doré bars.
Beyond the mechanical and process equipment, Metso will deliver comprehensive process electrification, field instrumentation, and automation solutions. These systems are designed to optimize operational efficiency, improve process control, and support safe and reliable plant performance. Metso will also be responsible for detailed engineering of the processing plant, ensuring seamless integration of all systems and alignment with Maaden’s operational objectives.
Commenting on the award, Piia Karhu, President of Minerals at Metso, emphasized the strategic importance of the collaboration. She noted that the project not only reinforces the long-standing partnership between Metso and Maaden but also closely supports Saudi Arabia’s national ambitions to diversify its economy through mining. By delivering advanced and sustainable gold processing technologies alongside comprehensive services, Metso aims to contribute to increased gold production while promoting responsible and efficient resource development across the Kingdom.
The Ar Rjum project is expected to play a key role in strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a growing global mining hub, aligning with national efforts to unlock mineral resources and build a resilient, diversified industrial base.
