The role of digital transformation in improving the efficiency of industrial operations in the mining sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives: The study aimed to uncover the reality of implementing digital transformation in industrial operations within the mining sector, identify the main challenges facing these operations, and the role of applying digital technology in improving the efficiency of these operations. Location: In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from the perspective of employees in mining companies. Methodology: The study used a descriptive-analytical approach. The study population consists of mining companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that have implemented or are in the process of implementing digital technology and adopting digital solutions in industrial operations. The study sample (n = 370) represents senior, middle, and junior management levels related to industrial operations within mining companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire was used as a data collection tool. Results: The study found that the reality of implementing digital transformation in industrial operations within the mining sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was high, and the main challenges to implementing these operations were at the "Agree" level. The impact of implementing digital technology on improving the efficiency of industrial operations within the mining sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from the perspective of employees in mining companies, was found to be high. Recommendations: The study recommends that the mining sector benefit from appropriate digital technologies for this sector, and that the challenges facing digital transformation in the mining sector should be studied and addressed.