Donovan Waller Joins Maaden as CTO to Lead Energy Transition
Saudi mining giant Maaden appointed Donovan Waller as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO).
His appointment supports both Maaden’s internal goals and Saudi Arabia’s national Vision 2030 strategy to build a more diversified and industrialised economy, one that depends less on oil and more on energy efficient digital infrastructure across key sectors like mining.
Energy impact through mining systems
Donovan Waller starts the CTO role with more than 30 years of international experience in industrial technology.
He joins Maaden after leading as Chief Information Officer at Anglo American, a British multinational mining company, where he played a pivotal role in launching the FutureSmart Mining programme.
That initiative blends technology and sustainability to improve safety, efficiency and environmental outcomes, principles Maaden aims to embed throughout its own operations.
Maaden describes his appointment as “a strategic step that reinforces our commitment to innovation and the integration of advanced technologies across our operations”.
As a veteran of operational technology (OT), Waller’s expertise extends beyond standard IT systems.
He has implemented OT platforms that link autonomous vehicles, sensors and mineral processing plants in systems that can form the digital backbone of low-carbon, energy-optimised mining.
His work in automation, large-scale data integration and enterprise transformation makes him uniquely qualified to lead Maaden’s technological ambitions.
The company says: “Donovan brings more than three decades of international experience in industrial technology development, driving competitive advantage at the intersection of business value creation, emerging technology trends and applied R&D.”
Technology’s role in sustainable mining
Maaden is central to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan, which positions mining as the “third pillar” of the national economy alongside oil and petrochemicals.
Headquartered in Riyadh, the company spans the full value chain in multiple mineral segments, including phosphate fertilisers, aluminium, gold and base metals like copper.
Its aluminium operations are vertically integrated, managing everything from bauxite extraction to finished rolled products.
Through investments in clean technology and efficiency-focused digital systems, Maaden aims to become a global leader in sustainable resource extraction.
His responsibility is not just to oversee technology deployment but to turn Maaden into a high-efficiency, low-impact mining company that competes globally.
In doing so, he also becomes a key actor in realising Vision 2030’s goal of transitioning Saudi Arabia to an economy powered by diversified industrial capabilities and digital innovation.
Maaden says: “Donovan’s arrival is expected to accelerate Maaden’s deployment of a sophisticated technology stack, designed to turn raw earth into data-driven value.”
This includes implementing AI systems, sensor networks and automation platforms that directly impact energy use and operational efficiency.
The tech stack behind mineral extraction
At the centre of Waller’s plan is the deployment of a full Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) network, which links every vehicle, drill, plant and sensor across Maaden’s mining sites.
This network will provide real-time operational data to a centralised AI and analytics platform, what the company refers to as the mine’s digital brain.
This system will power a digital twin, a virtual replica of the entire mine used for simulation and optimisation.
It will allow predictive maintenance, enabling machines to signal faults before they fail, cutting downtime and energy waste.
It will also fine-tune each step of the mineral processing chain to reduce energy consumption and increase yield.
These data-led insights are converted into automated instructions for autonomous mining equipment, robotic drills and haul trucks that operate 24/7 with precision and minimal human intervention.
Such automation lowers energy usage per tonne extracted and improves safety by reducing human exposure in hazardous environments.
The system also aims to reduce emissions, minimise water usage and boost energy efficiency in alignment with international environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards.
The end goal is a mine that meets rising global demand for metals while using less energy, emitting less CO₂ and generating higher output.