The Mining Wrap

AI, automation, connectivity and critical minerals remained at the forefront of Africa’s mining industry this week, with companies advancing digital technologies and governments strengthening investment and beneficiation strategies.

South African mining robotics startup Afrobotics is deploying autonomous underground drones that use artificial intelligence to perform mine mapping, infrastructure inspections and hazardous-area monitoring. The drones reduce worker exposure in high-risk environments while providing real-time geological data that supports safer operations and more accurate digital mine planning.

FLS Advances AI-Driven Mineral Processing

FLS is preparing to showcase new digital flowsheet optimisation technologies ahead of Electra Mining Africa 2026. The company’s AI-enabled process optimisation platform helps mining operations reduce energy consumption, improve water efficiency and lower carbon emissions while increasing processing performance.

Epiroc and Ericsson Strengthen Mine Connectivity

Epiroc and Ericsson have expanded their global partnership to deliver private LTE and 5G connectivity for surface and underground mines. The collaboration supports autonomous equipment, Industrial IoT applications, connected workers and real-time operational data, creating the digital infrastructure needed for increasingly automated mining operations.

Exxaro Accelerates Digital Copper Strategy

South African miner Exxaro Resources is integrating automation, digital mining technologies and data-driven planning into its expansion into the copper sector. The strategy supports operational efficiency while positioning the company for growth in critical minerals.

DRC Applies AI to Critical Mineral Exploration

The Democratic Republic of Congo is using artificial intelligence alongside historical geological datasets to improve exploration for copper and cobalt deposits. The initiative aims to reduce exploration risk, improve resource targeting and attract new investment into the country’s critical minerals industry.

Heavy Mobile Equipment and OEMs

Hitachi Construction Machinery Expands Digital Services

Hitachi Construction Machinery has partnered with Amazon Leo to deploy low-Earth orbit satellite connectivity at remote construction and mining sites, enabling real-time machine diagnostics, predictive maintenance and digital service support in areas with limited network coverage. The company also hosted its Global Service Technician Competition 2026 to strengthen technical expertise and improve machine reliability across its international dealer network.

Liebherr Advances Smart Heavy Equipment

Liebherr continues expanding its next-generation heavy equipment portfolio with automation, digitalisation and machine intelligence. The company is showcasing Generation 8 crawler dozers, R 945 crawler excavators, TA 230 Litronic articulated dump trucks, and advanced driver-assistance technologies designed to improve productivity, safety and fuel efficiency.

ESG and Sustainable Mining

Tharisa Secures Funding for Underground Transition

Tharisa has secured a R750 million asset-backed revolving finance facility from Nedbank to support its transition from open-pit to underground mining. The funding will also support investment in a lower-emission underground mining fleet as the company advances its decarbonisation strategy.

Steenkampskraal and Mintek Achieve Rare Earth Processing Breakthrough

Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine (SMM) and Mintek have successfully produced high-purity Mixed Rare Earth Oxalate (MREO), making South Africa the first African country to achieve this milestone through a partnership between a mining company and a national research institution. Supported by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) and South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA), the breakthrough strengthens local rare earth beneficiation and positions South Africa further up the global critical minerals value chain.

Giyani Metals Progresses Battery Materials Project

Giyani Metals continues advancing its K.Hill High-Purity Manganese Project in Botswana. The project targets production of battery-grade manganese for electric vehicles while incorporating sustainable mining and processing practices that reduce environmental impacts.

Exploration, Investment and Strategic Development

Nigeria Launches EMERGE Mining Initiative

The Nigerian Government has launched the EMERGE Programme to accelerate mineral exploration and attract private investment into the country’s mining sector. The initiative combines geological data development, regulatory reforms and public-private partnerships to unlock the industry’s growth potential.

Guinea Strengthens Simandou Development Strategy

The Government of Guinea is positioning the Simandou iron ore project as the centrepiece of its mining and infrastructure development plans. The project is expected to attract international investment while supporting rail, port and downstream industrial development.

Tertiary Minerals Advances Zambia Copper Project

Tertiary Minerals has moved closer to its first significant copper discovery in Zambia after reporting encouraging drilling results at the Mushima North Project. Additional drilling is planned to define a maiden mineral resource by the end of 2026 as the company expands its presence in Zambia’s critical minerals sector.

DRC Supports Local Ownership in Mining

The Democratic Republic of Congo has introduced a financing mechanism to help Congolese citizens acquire mandatory equity stakes in mining companies. Through mining cooperatives and interest-free loans, the initiative aims to increase local ownership and strengthen national participation in one of Africa’s largest mining industries.

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