The African Mining Week (AMW) 2025, set for October 1-3 in Cape Town, will introduce a dedicated Technology Forum as digitalisation reshapes mining operations across the continent.
The forum aims to connect African mining projects with global technology providers and investors, highlighting how digital solutions are transforming resource extraction, efficiency and sustainability.
As mineral production expands to drive economic growth, developers are increasingly adopting data analytics and AI-driven exploration to streamline operations.
KoBold Metals, a US-based startup, recently entered the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to tap into an estimated $24 trillion in untapped mineral resources, reinforcing AI’s role in mineral prospecting.
The DRC – already the world’s largest cobalt producer and a key copper supplier – could see its global mining profile rise significantly with KoBold’s involvement.
In Zambia, KoBold is advancing the $2 billion Mingomba copper project, while in Zimbabwe, Caledonia Mining is investing $1.1 million in IT upgrades at Blanket Mine to enhance labour efficiency and boost gold output.
Meanwhile, Botswana Diamonds is leveraging AI to identify new prospects beyond diamonds, spanning copper, silver, cobalt, gold, nickel, zinc and platinum group metals.
“During the initial analysis of the big database, it became clear that the AI technology could be used to identify other unknown minerals opportunities – and so it turned out,” Botswana Diamonds chairman John Teeling said.
South African firms such as Kilken Platinum and Rio Tinto are deploying digital tools to unlock greater operational value.
According to a joint report by Accenture and the World Economic Forum, digitalisation could unlock up to R213 billion (about $11.6 billion) in additional value for South Africa’s mining sector by 2026.
The AMW 2025 Technology Forum will feature high-level panels examining predictive maintenance, autonomous operations, infrastructure optimisation and sustainable resource management.
The event will also provide a platform for mining companies to showcase case studies, collaborate with tech innovators and explore partnerships driving long-term value creation.
JN/APA