Company Description:Midana Exploration Company (MEC) is a resource exploration and development company and a subsidiary of Australia’s leading private mining enterprise, Hancock Prospecting. Operating at the forefront of the Middle East’s rapidly expanding mining sector, MEC is dedicated to unlocking the vast mineral potential of the highly prospective Arabian-Nubian Shield.
Our core focus is to rapidly and safely transition high-potential exploration targets into world-class operational mining assets. We achieve this by combining Hancock Prospecting’s demonstrated track record in exploration, mega-project delivery, technology, and operational excellence with deep local partnerships. Through our landmark joint ventures with highly regarded Saudi resource companies, and our own targeted exploration prospects, we are developing a new benchmark for resource development while also actively contributing to the development of the resource sector in Saudi.
Role Impact:The VP, Studies and Projects’ primary purpose is to enable the rapid establishment of operating mining assets in KSA, through input to target identification, and rapidly undertaking studies and projects to deliver high-value operational assets. The role will also be assigned to manage selected exploration joint ventures, contribute to M&A and to provide exploration infrastructure support across Midana Exploration Company’s assets and related KSA entities. This role is based in Jeddah with regular travel to remote exploration areas, active project sites and joint venture offices across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to ensure hands-on leadership and operational alignment.
Key Responsibilities:Project Development Strategy & Feasibility Studies Direct and oversee all stages of project scoping, prefeasibility and feasibility studies for gold and base metals projects to JORC-compliant standards. Lead target screening, economic analysis, resource modeling, metallurgical testing, and engineering design workstreams to optimize project economics and mitigate technical risks. Prepare comprehensive technical reports and business cases to secure internal approvals and external project financing.
Operational Readiness & Desert Ore Project Execution Project manage the selected JVs, ensuring safe and efficient project execution in remote environments. Establish operational readiness plans, including infrastructure, water supply, and logistics, to support remote site development. Implement rigorous project controls, schedule tracking, and cost management systems to deliver projects on time and on budget.
JV Technical Governance & KSA Partnerships Represent MEC’s technical interests on steering committees for selected JVs, and related KSA entities. Prepare, review and endorse exploration budgets, work programs, and technical agreements alongside JV partners to ensure strategic alignment. Collaborate with JV operators to accelerate discovery rates, resource definition and expansions, and the fast-tracking of high-priority gold and base metals deposits.
HSEC Governance, Risk Management & Perth Alignment Ensure all projects and studies are executed in compliance with Hancock Prospecting’s rigorous safety, environmental, and corporate standards. Maintain strong alignment and reporting lines with Perth-based projects and technical teams to leverage global best practices. Identify, monitor, and mitigate project risks (technical, financial, regulatory, and social) through robust risk management systems.
Regulatory Compliance & Stakeholder Engagement Ensure project portfolio complies with KSA Mining Investment Law and regulations, and in collaboration with external relations team, coordinate with regulatory bodies to secure exploration, environmental, and operating licenses. Cultivate strong relationships with local communities, government ministries, consultants, contractors and JV partners to support a sustainable social license to operate. Embrace national localization and capacity-building programs to develop local talent within the technical team.
Experience:Minimum of 15 years of leadership experience in mineral exploration, studies, and large-scale mining project development. Demonstrated track record of delivering complex feasibility studies (Scoping, PFS, DFS) and rapidly transitioning exploration projects into operations. Substantial experience in managing joint ventures and collaborating with state-owned mining entities and multinational partners. Proven leadership experience in managing multi-disciplinary technical teams. Extensive experience working in remote, desert environments, with deep knowledge of KSA's geology, mining regulations, and local industry practices.
Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Engineering or a closely related geosciences discipline (required). Master’s degree or PhD in Mineral Economics, Mining Engineering, or Business Administration (MBA) is highly desirable. Professional geologist or engineer registration with a globally recognized professional body (eligible for IEAust, Aus IMM, JORC, or equivalent). Current registration or eligibility for professional membership with the Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE). Certifications in advanced project management methodologies (e.g.: PMP or equivalent). Valid KSA driving license (or ability to obtain).
Functional & Technical Skills:Deep expertise in mineral economics, deposit evaluation, resource modeling, and metallurgical testing (gold and base metals). Advanced capabilities in project planning, capital cost estimation, schedule management, and risk analysis for mining projects. Strong strategic planning and commercial acumen, with experience managing multi-million dollar exploration and development budgets. Excellent negotiation, conflict resolution, and stakeholder relationship management skills, particularly within joint venture environments. Exceptional communication and reporting skills, with the ability to present technical findings to senior executives and board members. Fluency in English (required); proficiency in Arabic is highly advantageous.
Work Location & Travel The role is primarily based in the Midana Exploration Company’s office in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Requires regular and potentially extended travel a range of both corporate offices and remote exploration areas, including active project sites. Flexibility is essential to navigate between a corporate office environment and rugged, remote field settings.