The African Mining Week (AMW) 2025, scheduled for October 1-3 in Cape Town, is set to launch a new Technology Forum, underscoring the growing influence of digital innovation in shaping Africa’s mining sector.
This specialised forum will bring together mining operators, global tech providers, and investors to explore how digital tools—from artificial intelligence to predictive analytics—are revolutionising mining practices, increasing productivity, and advancing sustainability goals across the continent.
As Africa continues to ramp up mineral production to fuel its economic ambitions, industry players are adopting cutting-edge technologies to optimise exploration and extraction. AI, in particular, is becoming a game-changer in mineral prospecting.
US-based startup KoBold Metals has recently expanded its operations into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), aiming to unlock an estimated $24 trillion in untapped mineral reserves. The DRC, already the leading global source of cobalt and a major copper supplier, is poised to enhance its international mining profile through KoBold’s data-driven approach.
In Zambia, KoBold is pushing forward with its $2 billion Mingomba copper project, while in Zimbabwe, Caledonia Mining is investing over $1 million in digital upgrades at its Blanket Mine to improve labour efficiency and gold production.
Botswana Diamonds is also embracing AI, using the technology to uncover new mineral prospects beyond its traditional diamond exploration. Chairman John Teeling noted that AI analysis helped the company detect previously unknown mineral opportunities including copper, cobalt, nickel, and platinum group metals.
South African mining operations are similarly advancing their digital capabilities. Companies like Kilken Platinum and Rio Tinto are integrating AI and automation to boost operational efficiency. A joint report from Accenture and the World Economic Forum estimates that digitalisation could generate up to R213 billion (around $11.6 billion) in added value for South Africa’s mining industry by 2026.
The AMW Technology Forum will host expert-led panels on topics such as autonomous systems, predictive maintenance, infrastructure enhancement, and responsible resource management. The event will also offer a collaborative space for companies to present success stories, explore technological partnerships, and forge strategies that align innovation with long-term sector growth.
