New reports outline roadmap for South African mining modernisation

The Minerals Council South Africa, together with leading research and industry partners, has launched three new reports exploring the country's mining modernisation journey

Focusing on research, development and innovation (RDI), artificial intelligence (AI) and international benchmarking, the studies provide a roadmap for strengthening South Africa's mining sector through technology, collaboration and innovation.

The reports reflect growing recognition that modernisation is no longer optional for one of South Africa's oldest and most important industries. With mining contributing significantly to employment, exports and economic growth, the adoption of innovative mining methods, digital technologies and AI will be essential to improving safety, health, sustainability, productivity and the country's long-term global competitiveness.

The publications comprise Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) for the Modernisation of South African Mining, prepared jointly by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (CeSTII) and RIIS through a pilot research project with the Minerals Council South Africa; The Global Benchmarking Report, produced by RIIS and the Minerals Council South Africa; and 10 Insights into 4IR Report: AI – Powering the Future, developed by PwC Smart Mining in collaboration with the Minerals Council South Africa.

Why is mining modernisation important?

Mining modernisation involves adopting advanced technologies such as AI, automation, digitalisation and innovative mining methods to improve operational safety, productivity and sustainability. It also enables mining companies to optimise exploration, reduce operating costs, enhance workforce safety and remain competitive as global demand for critical minerals continues to grow.

Commenting on the launch, Sietse Van Der Woude, senior executive: Modernisation and Safety at the Minerals Council, said, "The launch of these publications marks another significant milestone in advancing South Africa’s mining modernisation agenda and reinforcing the sector’s commitment to innovationled safety, growth, inclusive industrial development and global competitiveness."

The reports were unveiled during the Modernisation Showcase, which brought together mining executives, policymakers, researchers, technology providers and innovation partners to help define the sector's technology and innovation priorities for 2026–2030.

RDI study highlights innovation gaps and opportunities

The first report, Modernisation of Mining in South Africa: Research, Development and Innovation Patterns and Firm Capabilities (2021–2023), was led by HSRC-CeSTII in partnership with the Minerals Council, with contributions from RIIS and Copenhagen Business School.

The study analyses firm-level RDI activities driving mining modernisation while identifying the factors enabling and constraining innovation across the sector. One of its key findings is that South African mining companies are currently focusing more on adopting existing technologies than investing directly in research and development.

The report also identifies skills, collaboration, infrastructure and investment capacity as essential foundations for successful modernisation. However, governance challenges together with shortages of engineering, managerial and technical skills continue to hinder progress, reflecting broader gaps in tertiary education and formal workforce training.

Globally, mining companies are increasing investment in digital technologies, automation, robotics and advanced analytics to improve operational efficiency and reduce risk. The report suggests South Africa can strengthen its competitiveness by complementing technology adoption with greater investment in research capability, innovation partnerships and workforce development.

Dr Nazeem Mustapha, who leads the Centre for Science, technology and innovation Indicators, said, "In South Africa the number of researchers per capita is about five times lower than Australia. This gives us an indication of how far behind the curve South Africa is relative to countries that have perhaps more actively and aggressively pursued modernisation in mining practices."

Global benchmarking identifies lessons from leading mining nations

Prepared jointly by RIIS and the Minerals Council South Africa, the Global Benchmarking Report examines how leading mining countries are advancing modernisation through innovation, technology adoption, policy frameworks and strategic investment.

The report finds that globally competitive mining industries are supported not only by advanced technologies but also by strong innovation ecosystems and close collaboration between governments, research institutions and industry. It also outlines recommendations aimed at strengthening South Africa's competitiveness and accelerating the adoption of innovative mining technologies.

As competition for investment in critical minerals intensifies, countries that successfully integrate policy, skills development, infrastructure and innovation are expected to be better positioned to benefit from growing global demand associated with the energy transition.

Sylvesters Okello, a principal at RIIS, said, "South Africa stands at a defining crossroads in mining modernisation. Despite holding worldclass mineral wealth and a capable private sector, the country trails global leaders due to regulatory uncertainty, critical skills gaps, and fragmented innovation efforts. This benchmarking study, conducted across ten countries, confirms that nations which modernise successfully do so by investing simultaneously across policy, infrastructure, and skills – not in sequence.

The findings are clear: South Africa’s window to position itself as a preferred global critical minerals supplier is open now, but it will not stay open indefinitely. Government, industry, and research institutions must act with urgency and genuine coordination before faster-moving competitors close the gap."

AI report explores the future of mining operations

The third publication, Ten Insights into 4IR in South African Mining, developed with PwC, examines how AI and Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies are reshaping mining operations, leadership, workforce development, productivity, safety, health and sustainability.

Drawing on interviews with mining CEOs and industry stakeholders, the report highlights the growing role of AI in supporting operational efficiency, improving decision-making and strengthening safety, while emphasising that successful digital transformation requires leadership commitment and workforce readiness alongside technology investment.

Ian Mackay, associate director, Mining Transformation at PwC South Africa, said, "For PwC, this third edition of the study reflects our ongoing commitment, alongside the Minerals Council South Africa, to support the mining sector through a period of significant change. By bringing together industry voices and practical experience, we aim to help mining leaders navigate complexity, make better decisions and unlock sustainable value."

A roadmap for the future

Collectively, the three reports underscore the importance of collaboration between industry, government, academia and innovation partners in addressing some of South Africa's most pressing mining challenges, including infrastructure development, future skills, digital transformation, decarbonisation and faster technology adoption across the mining value chain.

Together, they present a practical roadmap for accelerating mining modernisation, enabling the sector to improve safety, productivity and sustainability while strengthening South Africa's position as a globally competitive mining destination and supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy.