Vice-President, Studies and Projects

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.

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.

• 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 work streams to optimize project economics and mitigate technical risks.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports and business cases to secure internal approvals and external project financing.

• 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.

• 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.
• 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.

• 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,…