Understanding the drivers behind new technology adoption in the mining industry has never been more urgent. With climate change reshaping global priorities, volatile trade regimes affecting mineral supply chains, and economic uncertainties influencing investment decisions, mining companies are under growing pressure to innovate responsibly and sustainably.
This was the central theme of a webinar hosted by Creamer Media on August 27, where a panel of experts agreed that technology in mining must be both impactful and measurable to achieve wider adoption. The session, sponsored by BME, DRDGOLD, Engen Petroleum, Vivo Energy, TLT-Turbo Africa, Aberdare, and Mintek, brought together industry leaders to discuss how innovation can transform mining operations.
Drivers of Technology Adoption
The panel identified several key factors driving technology uptake in mining: cost reduction, safer operations, improved environmental performance, better waste management, and operational efficiency. Beyond competitiveness, the message was clear—sustainable growth must be at the heart of mining’s future.
Julie Courtnage, director of the Mandela Mining Precinct (MMP), highlighted the importance of “doing more with less,” stressing that resource scarcity has become a global concern. Similarly, Mintek’s Dr. Elmark Muller noted that South Africa’s legacy mining infrastructure must be retrofitted to align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements.
Balancing Innovation with Practicality
For many companies, the challenge lies not in the lack of technological options but in choosing solutions that truly solve operational problems. BME’s technology head, Nishen Hariparsad, underscored the importance of stakeholder buy-in—from employees to executives—when introducing new systems.
Echoing this sentiment, DRDGOLD CEO Niël Pretorius warned that new technologies cannot simply be imposed on established protocols. “People do not want you to experiment on something that has been working well. Implementation must be incremental, backed by clear value and risk management.”
Pretorius illustrated how DRDGOLD integrates real-time monitoring in tailings facilities to prevent disasters, with automated devices measuring compaction, density, and moisture as each layer is added.
Efficiency and Environmental Gains
Speakers also emphasized efficiency as a dual driver of cost savings and environmental responsibility. Engen Petroleum’s Simon Prevett shared how advanced fuel and lubricant technologies, such as ProDrive diesel additives, are helping reduce emissions while extending equipment life.
At Mintek, research is focused on “cleaner” mining processes, including sulphate reduction in mine water, hydrogen reduction in furnaces, and bio-metallurgy solutions for small-scale miners. Meanwhile, the MMP has pioneered productivity-enhancing technologies such as autonomous mining equipment, real-time management systems, and lighter drills like the Isidingo—designed to consume less water and energy while being easier to operate.
Measurable Impact and Partnerships
Across the discussion, one theme stood out: technology adoption must deliver measurable benefits. From predictive analytics and pipeline leak detection to more precise blasting methods, experts agreed that mining companies must clearly demonstrate value before investing.
Yet, barriers remain. Courtnage pointed out that investment cycles and lack of awareness often hinder adoption. This is where partnerships and knowledge-sharing become vital. “Technology should not be implemented in isolation. Collaborative approaches ensure meaningful and measurable impact,” Hariparsad added.
Facilitator Laura Nicholson summed up the debate: even the most advanced technology is meaningless without acceptance from the people who use it. Adoption depends on whether it solves current industry problems, enhances safety, reduces environmental impact, and improves the lives of both workers and surrounding communities.
As the mining industry faces rising sustainability expectations, the message is clear—technology must not only innovate but also prove its worth in measurable, impactful ways.
