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Mining

Mining is the extraction of valuable minerals, metals and other geological materials from the earth, encompassing both surface and underground operations. The sector includes the exploration, development, extraction and processing of resources such as gold, platinum, diamonds, coal, iron-ore, copper, manganese and other commodities. Mining is a capital-intensive industry requiring significant investment in infrastructure, equipment and technology, with operations ranging from small-scale artisanal workings to large multinational corporations. The industry plays a crucial role in global supply chains, providing raw materials for manufacturing, energy generation, construction and technology sectors. In Africa, mining is a cornerstone of many national economies, particularly in South Africa, Botswana, Ghana, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where it contributes substantially to gross domestic product, export earnings and employment. The sector faces ongoing challenges including commodity price volatility, regulatory complexity, environmental and social licence considerations, energy security, water availability and the need to improve safety standards. Technological advancement is increasingly important, with automation, digitalisation, predictive maintenance systems and artificial intelligence being adopted to enhance productivity, reduce costs and improve operational safety. The industry is also under pressure to demonstrate sustainable practices, reduce carbon emissions and contribute to broader socioeconomic development in host communities. Mining's significance extends beyond direct economic contribution, as it supports extensive downstream industries including smelting, refining, manufacturing and logistics.

Latest Articles in 60 Seconds

Modernisation flagged as urgent priority for South African mining

A study by the Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability, presented at a Modernisation Showcase, warns that South Africa lags competitors in digitisation and automation, with only 10% of deep mines using autonomous vehicles and just 25% of minerals processed domestically. The report cites strengths including world-leading platinum group metal, manganese and chrome reserves and an improving safety record, but says regulatory, skills and technology gaps must close urgently, highlighting African Rainbow Minerals' Smelt Direct innovation as a homegrown success needing further support.

Autonomous mining equipment and new conveyor drives target efficiency gains

Hong Kong-listed CiDi expects overseas deployments of its autonomous mining trucks and robotic drilling and blasting units to grow, having already equipped fleets across 30 quarries and coal mines in China and trialled units in Australia. Separately, Voith is launching its PowerDrive Mining electric conveyor drive system at Electra Mining in Johannesburg in September, claiming purchase prices about 30% below the market benchmark, while Weba Chute Systems says engineered chute design reduces conveyor belt misalignment and unplanned downtime.

Neo Energy secures site access at Beisa mine ahead of rights transfer

Neo Energy Metals' South African subsidiary has signed a site access agreement with Sibanye Gold, allowing a fully funded assessment programme at the Beatrix 4 Shaft mining area while the regulatory transfer of the mining right proceeds. The three workstreams, costing about £3.15-million, are expected to take about eight months, with first gold production still targeted for December 2027 ahead of uranium output.

Mining Updates


Voith’s digital technologies are designed to optimise belt conveyor performance and improve operational efficiency.
Voith launches integrated electric conveyor drive system for mining
24th July 2026 By: Creamer Media Reporter

At this year's Electra Mining exhibition in Johannesburg, technology company Voith will launch PowerDrive Mining, its first electric drive system for mining belt conveyors. The solution integrates... 


Image of a Weba Chute Systems bifurcated chute
Engineered chute systems help improve plant reliability
24th July 2026

Engineered chute systems play a critical role in minimising conveyor belt misalignment by ensuring material is loaded centrally, at the correct velocity and in a controlled flow pattern, thereby... 


Public and private projects named as finalists in CESA Aon 2026 engineering awards
24th July 2026 By: Schalk Burger

Large and small engineering projects in South Africa, developed for private companies and public organisations, have been named among the finalists in the CESA Aon Engineering Excellence Awards... 


Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability consultant Ashleigh Muller.
Modernisation of South African mining is an ‘urgent strategic priority’
24th July 2026 By: Martin Creamer

Mining modernisation, with private and public sectors as drivers, is an urgent strategic priority for the South African economy, a study undertaken by industry leaders, researchers, government... 


Photo of Martin Creamer
On-The-Air (24/07/2026)
24th July 2026 By: Martin Creamer

Martin Creamer discusses China’s platinum-focused Five-Year Plan, AI-driven efficiencies for lower-grade operations, and DRDGold’s R10-billion regional tailings storage expansion. 


The most expensive weld is the one you have to do twice
The most expensive weld is the one you have to do twice
24th July 2026

By Hendrik du Toit, Managing Director: Plant Services, Babcock In fabrication, maintenance and manufacturing environments, one of the most expensive activities is often the one that was never planned. 


Beatrix plant
Neo Energy Metals subsidiary signs site access agreement with Sibanye-Stillwater
24th July 2026 By: Sabrina Jardim

London-listed Neo Energy Metals’ 70%-owned South African subsidiary, Neo Uranium Resources Beisa Mine, has signed a site access and contractorship agreement with Sibanye Gold, a subsidiary of... 


CiDi equipment
China's CiDi eyes overseas sales of autonomous mining machines this year
24th July 2026 By: Reuters

CiDi, the Hong Kong-listed Chinese autonomous mining equipment maker, expects overseas deployments to grow this year as it expands beyond China, CE Albert Hu told Reuters. CiDi has equipped... 


Turning machine data into better business decisions
Turning machine data into better business decisions
24th July 2026

By: Tim Ward - Managing Director: Equipment, Babcock For many years, equipment management was largely reactive. Fleet owners focused on keeping machines running, scheduling maintenance at fixed... 


LKAB Kiruna mine, in Sweden
Sweden declares mining national security interest to counter dependence on China
24th July 2026 By: Reuters

Sweden's government declared mining of critical metals and rare earth minerals a national security interest on Thursday, saying a new mining strategy was needed to counter the dependence on China.... 


Tungsten
Tungsten major Almonty also delists from ASX
24th July 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

Having announced its voluntary delisting from the TSX effective July 31, tungsten miner Almonty Industries also intends to delist its shares from the ASX from September 1. The company's shares... 


Teck Resources' Highland Valley mine
Teck repeats $0.125 quarterly dividend for Q2
24th July 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

Having announced a stellar set of production and financial results for the second quarter, TSX- and NYSE-listed Teck Resources has declared a dividend of $0.125 apiece on its outstanding Class A... 


GEOLOGICAL PROSPECTS
The Arabian-Nubian Shield is highly prospective owing to its arc-related volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits, orogenic gold, and porphyry-style mineralisation
Critical minerals drive Central, East African exploration - consultant
24th July 2026 By: Keabetswe Shilakwe

The Central African Copperbelt (CAC), spanning parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia, remains a primary focus for exploration driven by global demand for copper and cobalt,... 


Sandvik brings world class crushing, screening and local support to Electra Mining Africa 2026
Sandvik brings world class crushing, screening and local support to Electra Mining Africa 2026
24th July 2026

Global crushing and screening solutions provider Sandvik Rock Processing will have a major outdoor presence at Electra Mining Africa 2026, showcasing advanced crushing and screening technology... 


Image of zinc ingots
Swartberg openpit mining project, South Africa
24th July 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

The project proposes to increase mining capacity from 500 000 t/y to one-million tonnes a year at the Swartberg mining project. 


Drill core from the Khemisset project
Khemisset potash project, Morocco – update
24th July 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

Emmerson and its subsidiaries are seeking compensation of about $1.22-billion for alleged losses arising from Morocco’s breaches of the bilateral investment treaty between Morocco and the UK. 


Image of gas pipeline tap
Project Alpha, South Africa – update
24th July 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

Kinetiko is taking a two-step permitting process to accelerate gas production ahead of a looming national gas shortage. 


Image of solar panels
Lephalale solar PV project, South Africa – update
24th July 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

The project celebrated the commercial operations date milestone on July 15, 2026. 


An image of McKinsey and Company Johannesburg partner Gerhard Nel
Tech-driven project management key to bridging infrastructure gap
24th July 2026 By: Nadine Ramdass

While the African continent has a significant infrastructure project pipeline, as well as access to capital, the continent struggles to consistently turn investment into completed projects... 


CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY
The development of the Maamba power station in Sinazongwe includes a dedicated coal mine on an 8.15 ha site to fuel the plant
Energy deal set to bolster Zambia mining
24th July 2026 By: Keabetswe Shilakwe

To help close Zambia’s 1 400 MW baseload electricity generation deficit and reduce its exposure to drought-affected hydroelectric supply, mining and energy investment holding company ZCCM... 


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