Emerging innovations are transforming the South African mining, manufacturing, industrial and automation sectors and driving the deployment of advanced technological solutions across operations. Innovations in mechanisation, automation and digitisation are improving safety and productivity in mines, production facilities, industrial plants and warehouses. To deliver real value, these technologies must be cost-effective and designed to address practical, people-centred industry challenges.
Electra Mining Africa 2026 promises to be bigger, representing a broader range of industry solutions than past record events.
The current growth in automation is impacting local industries positively – facilitating investment in innovation, data analytics and skills development, and helping to develop local competitiveness and export potential as local African solutions are adapted to be exported regionally and globally. South African engineers are leaders in innovation and technology development. Many of these innovations and newly automated systems will be on display at the, Electra Mining Africa 2026, the largest trade-show of its kind in Southern Africa, set to take place at Nasrec in Johannesburg in September.
Such innovations include, for example, new CNC simulation server automation software for CNC specific user interfaces that simulate part machining using real-time data. Also on show will be automated purpose-built digital systems to track and trace projects, providing real-time visibility, facilitating collaboration, and ensuring critical information is accessible to the right people at the right time.
Mining and petrochemical industries – and most other industries – demand uninterrupted power, precision control, and uncompromising safety as even brief interruptions can cause operational downtime, safety risks, and financial losses. In response to changing industry requirements, new developments in intelligent, digitally-enabled power solutions for modern, mission-critical facilities will be on show.
As mining operations continue to adopt higher levels of automation, the reliability of the data feeding into these systems has become increasingly critical. Companies specialising in industrial sensing and monitoring technologies are contributing to the development of more reliable automated systems focusing on digital speed, position and condition monitoring solutions designed for use in demanding industrial environments, including mining. Local companies will display the latest developments in precision motion control within automated mining and heavy industry systems.
Other new technologies will be on display at Electra Mining Africa include collision avoidance systems for mining operations integrated with AI cameras capable of reliably detecting people, vehicles and obstacles in real mining conditions, as well as new network terminal slice computing technology that moves computing from centralised servers to localised, device-level processing for improved speed, efficiency and resilience. Automated fire suppression systems and other automated safety technologies for modern mines and industries will also feature at the show.
Electra Mining Africa is presented biennially and the 2026 edition will introduce several notable additions, including a new outdoor exhibition area in the Arena at the Expo Centre. Montgomery Group Africa Portfolio Director, Charlene Hefer says the new Orange Zone has been created in response to strong exhibitor interest and the need for additional space following the previous show.
“The new Orange Zone allows us to accommodate more companies looking to showcase large-scale equipment and innovations outdoors,” says Hefer. “It also enables participation from more original equipment manufacturers, giving visitors a valuable opportunity to view, compare and evaluate a broader range of solutions across the show’s expanded outdoor exhibition areas.”
Electra Mining Africa 2024 surpassed previous records in terms of number of exhibitors, exhibition space, and the number of visitors. Hefer says the 2026 show will be bigger – with over 1 000 exhibitors and expanded floor space, which includes the new orange zone. “A growing exhibition reflects increased industry participation and innovation, offering visitors a broader and more diverse range of solutions to explore and evaluate,” notes Hefer. “Visitors will have access to a wide range of technologies, suppliers, and expertise in one location, reducing the time and cost usually associated with sourcing products and engaging suppliers.”
International exhibitors and country pavilions will bring global innovations and other new technologies to the show. Beyond the exhibition floor, the event will offer valuable networking, collaboration and knowledge-sharing opportunities through seminars, technical workshops and informal engagement across the industry landscape.
Electra Mining Africa is scheduled to take place at Nasrec, Johannesburg between 7 and 11 September 2026. Visitors can register at www.electramining.co.za
