THE MINING WRAP

Tech Startup Afrobotics is advancing autonomous drone systems designed for GPS-denied underground mining environments, with active deployment focused on real-time inspection, ventilation monitoring, and hazard detection in deep-level operations. These systems are improving situational awareness in areas where manual inspection is high-risk and visibility is limited, supporting safer and more continuous underground production.

Meanwhile, Reactore builds an integrated on-site mine control and safety platform that combines ERP systems, asset tracking, and safety monitoring into a unified operational layer. Designed for low-connectivity environments, the tech startup enables on-site decision-making and proximity-based safety monitoring, thereby reinforcing the shift toward decentralised digital mine control systems.

Similarly, Stone Three Digital deploys AI-driven machine vision systems inside mineral processing plants to optimise ore flow, improve recovery rates, and reduce inefficiencies. In addition, the technology enables real-time adjustments in live environments, improving throughput consistency and strengthening beneficiation performance.

Safety Systems, Remote Operations And Equipment Innovation

CMTI scales remote-controlled underground mining equipment
CMTI Unmanned Mining Technologies is expanding remote-controlled and autonomous equipment systems for hazardous underground operations, enabling operators to manage machinery from safe distances while maintaining production continuity.

MineProtect advances real-time collision prevention systems

MineProtect is advancing real-time safety and proximity detection technologies designed to reduce collisions and operational risks in active mines. Its intervention-based monitoring systems support faster response times in mixed human-machine environments.

Nkangala introduces hybrid diesel-electric roof bolter

Nkangala Mining has introduced a hybrid roof bolter capable of operating on diesel or electric power, improving flexibility while reducing underground emissions and worker exposure during support installation.

ABB introduces ABB Care for mining automation systems

ABB has introduced its ABB Care service model for automation and hoisting systems, combining condition monitoring and lifecycle support to reduce unplanned downtime in deep-level mining operations.

Critical Minerals, Energy Transition And Market Repositioning

Harena Rare Earths raises capital for Madagascar project expansion

Harena Rare Earths has raised £2 million to advance its Ampasindava rare earth project in Madagascar, supporting diversification of critical mineral supply chains.

Fleet Space deploys satellite-based copper exploration in Zambia

Fleet Space has partnered with CopperTech and Axiom Group in Zambia to deploy satellite-supported subsurface imaging for copper exploration, improving targeting accuracy and reducing drilling costs and early-stage exploration risk.

Infrastructure, Equipment Manufacturing And Mining Services

First Quantum and Hitachi commission battery-electric haul truck in Zambia

First Quantum Minerals and Hitachi have commissioned an ultra-large battery-electric mining truck at Kansanshi in Zambia, advancing fleet electrification in large-scale copper operations.

XCMG delivers diesel-electric haul trucks to Exxaro Grootegeluk

XCMG has delivered XDE260 diesel-electric haul trucks to Exxaro Resources for use at Grootegeluk in Limpopo, improving fuel efficiency and operational performance in coal production.

OES launches real-time fleet optimisation platform

OES has launched a fleet optimisation platform designed to improve dispatch decisions and reduce idle time through live operational data analysis, improving haul cycle efficiency.

Weir Group expands Heavy Bay Foundry in South Africa

Weir Group is expanding its Heavy Bay Foundry in Gqeberha, strengthening regional manufacturing capacity for mining equipment components.

Bell Equipment scales mining machinery production in South Africa

Bell Equipment is increasing production of drill rigs and mining machinery in South Africa, responding to sustained regional demand.

Projects, Policy Shifts And Regional Mining Development

The Lobito Corridor continues to develop as a strategic transport and export route linking the copper belts of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo to Atlantic shipping infrastructure. The corridor is designed to reduce inland logistics bottlenecks, shorten export routes to global markets, and improve the efficiency of bulk mineral transportation from inland mines to coastal ports.

At the same time, Tanzania’s mining sector is expected to see increased M&A activity following regulatory reforms. In addition, the Tanzanian government has also enforced compliance through the revocation of 40 mineral exploration licences targeting inactive holders. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe has introduced lithium export quotas to balance value addition with export control, and Malawi’s Kasiya Project is progressing as a low-carbon rutile and graphite supply hub within global critical minerals supply chains.

ESG, Energy Efficiency And Sustainability Transition

Kumba advances solar and renewable wheeling strategy
Kumba Iron Ore is advancing solar installations and wheeling agreements to reduce reliance on Eskom supply and lower Scope 2 emissions.

BME expands electronic blasting and low-emission explosive systems
BME is expanding its Axxis electronic initiation system, improving blast precision and reducing energy intensity in downstream processing.

BME and Hypex Bio are also rolling out hydrogen peroxide-based explosives across SADC, supporting lower-emission blasting technologies.

Credeq and Access Bank launch mine rehabilitation financing model
Credeq Africa and Access Bank are developing a rehabilitation financing mechanism linked to mine closure and land restoration.

DRC establishes strategic cobalt reserve
The Democratic Republic of Congo has established a strategic cobalt reserve to stabilise supply and improve oversight of artisanal mining participation.

ARM Court Ruling

The Gauteng High Court has ruled that African Rainbow Capital (ARC) cannot be held liable in a $195 million claim brought by Pula Group relating to a Tanzanian graphite project.

The court determined that the non-disclosure agreement in question was concluded between African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) and Pula Group, not ARC, meaning ARC had no contractual obligations in the matter.

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