Three reports released by the Minerals Council South Africa on 23 July highlight how the country's mining industry is falling behind international peers in digitisation, automation and AI.
The Global Benchmarking Report, prepared by the Johannesburg Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability and the Minerals Council South Africa, ranks South Africa low in advanced technology adoption among 10 major mining jurisdictions. Australia and Sweden lead as visionaries for aligning policy, infrastructure and R&D ecosystems.
MCSA CEO Mzila Mthenjane said modernisation is essential to keep the industry safe, healthy, competitive and viable. The reports recommend cutting red tape on mine permitting and offering tax incentives for R&D.
A separate RDI Survey found only 35 percent of about 60 companies used advanced technology between 2021 and 2023, with firms reluctant to develop their own innovations. A PwC report noted slow AI uptake, with just 23 percent of CEOs describing their AI strategy as well-defined.
Exceptions include African Rainbow Minerals’ SmeltDirect initiative and Gold Fields’ remote operations at South Deep. The reports call for stronger public-private R&D and better rail, port and digital infrastructure.