https://en.sputniknews.africa/20260515/south-africas-smart-mining-revolution-1085758208.html
South Africa's Smart Mining (R)Evolution
South Africa's Smart Mining (R)Evolution
Sputnik Africa
In this Nnete Fela, Prof. Glen Nwaila is here to explore how South Africa is driving Africa’s smart mining revolution. Discover how AI, robotics, and advanced... 15.05.2026, Sputnik Africa
2026-05-15T12:34+0200
2026-05-15T12:34+0200
2026-05-15T12:34+0200
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South Africa's Smart Mining (R)Evolution
Sputnik Africa
In this Nnete Fela, Prof. Glen Nwaila is here to explore how South Africa is driving Africa’s smart mining revolution. Discover how AI, robotics, and advanced digital skills are modernizing the sector, overcoming complex challenges, and returning the control of critical mineral wealth to local hands.
Prof. Glen Nwaila serves as the Deputy Head of School at the School of Geosciences at the University of the Witwatersrand, where he is at the forefront of researching and deploying digital solutions that empower Africa's mining sector.The professor joins the show to unpack South Africa’s rapid evolution into a smart mining powerhouse. We explore how homegrown innovation is reshaping the industry, making operations safer, highly efficient, and environmentally responsible while ensuring the wealth of the continent is retained and developed locally.We dive into the real-world deployments of AI, robotics, remote-controlled operations, and trackless mobile machinery at sites like South Deep Gold Mine, Kumba Iron Ore's Sishen mine, and various coal operations. Prof. Nwaila also breaks down the hurdles of deploying these systems in harsh environments, from complex ore bodies to power and connectivity challenges.We discover how institutions like Wits University are pioneering the future workforce. We discuss the creation of state-of-the-art laboratories and tech sandboxes and the integration of data science into educational curricula to empower local decision-making.The professor explains why exporting raw materials should be a thing of the past. Learn about the push for clear mineral resource policies, reliable energy infrastructure, and the establishment of critical mineral processing hubs.With an estimated R40 trillion in vast mineral reserves, South Africa is perfectly positioned to become a global processing hub and a leader in critical minerals technology. However, realizing this potential requires a radical shift in how mines operate and who controls the value chain.► Listen to all episodes of the Nnete Fela Show.► Check out this podcast on your favorite platforms: Apple Podcasts | Castbox | Deezer | Spotify | Pocket Casts | Podcast Addict | Afripods
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South Africa's Smart Mining (R)Evolution
In this Nnete Fela, Prof. Glen Nwaila is here to explore how South Africa is driving Africa’s smart mining revolution. Discover how AI, robotics, and advanced digital skills are modernizing the sector, overcoming complex challenges, and returning the control of critical mineral wealth to local hands.
Prof. Glen Nwaila serves as the Deputy Head of School at the School of Geosciences at the University of the Witwatersrand, where he is at the forefront of researching and deploying digital solutions that empower Africa's mining sector.
The professor joins the show to unpack South Africa’s rapid evolution into a smart mining powerhouse. We explore how homegrown innovation is reshaping the industry, making operations safer, highly efficient, and environmentally responsible while ensuring the wealth of the continent is retained and developed locally.
“We have seen in the last 15 years and especially in the 10 years the introduction of trackless mobile machinery and, of course, the introduction of integrated remote operating centers, and these are enablers for digitalization of our mines,” Prof. Nwaila says.
We dive into the real-world deployments of AI, robotics, remote-controlled operations, and trackless mobile machinery at sites like South Deep Gold Mine, Kumba Iron Ore's Sishen mine, and various coal operations. Prof. Nwaila also breaks down the hurdles of deploying these systems in harsh environments, from complex ore bodies to power and connectivity challenges.
We discover how institutions like Wits University are pioneering the future workforce. We discuss the creation of state-of-the-art laboratories and tech sandboxes and the integration of data science into educational curricula to empower local decision-making.
“What we are doing now, particularly at the School of Geosciences, is that we've done three core things. The first one is to notice that education is not only done in a classroom. We need a real operating environment, and for that particular reason, we went to partner with a number of mining companies, tech providers, and telecom companies that are actually exposing our students to real operating environments,” Nwaila adds.
The professor explains why exporting raw materials should be a thing of the past. Learn about the push for clear mineral resource policies, reliable energy infrastructure, and the establishment of critical mineral processing hubs.
With an estimated R40 trillion in vast mineral reserves, South Africa is perfectly positioned to become a global processing hub and a leader in critical minerals technology. However, realizing this potential requires a radical shift in how mines operate and who controls the value chain.
► Listen to all episodes of the Nnete Fela Show. ► Check out this podcast on your favorite platforms: Apple Podcasts | Castbox | Deezer | Spotify | Pocket Casts | Podcast Addict | Afripods 
