As the global mining industry enters an era of rapidly evolving automation, Africa will emerge as a leader in embracing autonomous machinery, according to global technology giant Siemens. By 2040, it estimates that up to 40% of mining equipment on the continent will be self-driving and that several prominent mining operations will be close to fully automated, marking a new era of enhanced safety, efficiency, and productivity.
Siemens Sub-Saharan Africa CEO Sabine Dall’Omo unpacks five modernisation trends that will shape African mining by 2040.
Trend 1: The autonomous machinery revolution will up the game in sophisticated mining
Research by Siemens indicates that about 30-40% of machinery in South African mining will be autonomous by 2040. From self-driving trucks and autonomous drillers to drones and robotic sensors, technology will be minimising human involvement in hazardous tasks at the continent’s more sophisticated mines. Redefining every facet of mining operations, technologies such as AI and Internet of Things (IoT) systems will integrate machinery, collect data, optimise workflows in real-time, reduce costs and protect workers from high-risk activities. One current example of how this trend is manifesting, is the self-driving haul trucks that are used in South Africa’s iron ore and platinum mines, and drones that are used for aerial surveys and inspections of mines.
Trend 2: AI and Big Data will step out of its baby shoes
Artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have already become the backbone of decision-making in mining operations, but by 2040 its power and accuracy will be astounding. Various experts Siemens interviewed for its research foresee that visualisation tools based on AI, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) will become the tools of choice to help miners find minerals and work out better operational strategies. Wearable technologies will also guide miners with real-time information to better manage their operations. AI-powered tools will be used across the continent to analyse massive datasets to optimise extraction methods, improve mineral discovery rates, protect the environment around mines with much greater precision and even predict equipment failures.
Trend 3: Digital twins will bring the power of simulation to solution-seeking
Siemens research indicates that up to 40% of South African mines will be using digital twins to simulate processes, detect danger and determine the next best actions, especially in rough terrain, by the year 2040. Digital twins are virtual replicas of physical mining sites, and allow engineers to simulate multiple mining scenarios and weigh up opportunity-cost more effectively. Engineers can then make the best proactive decisions to reduce operational risks and to maximise output in their mining operations.
Coupled with IoT-enabled sensors, digital twins will allow engineers to gain simulated real-time insights into machinery performance, mining safety, workforce activity and the impact of environmental conditions and natural or climate-change related disasters. The dual benefit of these interconnected simulation and monitoring systems is that it can help ensure much greater accuracy, compliance and innovation around safety and environmental standards.
Trend 4: Drones and robotics will be the android eyes, ears and hands in modern African mining
Siemens estimates that an estimated 35% of mining jobs will be automated by a dizzying array of technologies by the year 2035, and that 50% of jobs will require less human interaction by 2040. Drones and robots will revolutionise various inspection and maintenance tasks on mines at an exponential rate. Acting as eyes in the sky for mines in urban, remote and even dangerous areas across Africa, drones that are equipped with advanced imaging technologies will be used to conduct geological surveys, monitor mine stability, and identify a range of risk factors and hazards. On the ground, robots, with their mechanical hands, eyes and ears, will handle a range of dirty, dangerous and high-precision tasks including ore sampling and equipment maintenance in hard-to-reach places. This will transform the efficiency of mines where human access is impractical or downright dangerous.
Trend 5: The fourth industrial revolution in mining will require reskilling for a more creative human future
With a rapid decline in direct human interactions on mines, the reskilling of mine workers to engage in more meaningful tasks, in line with other industries that are also embracing the fourth industrial revolution (4IR), will become a dominant theme in mining. The shift presents an opportunity to re-focus human efforts on creative, skilled, and less physically taxing work. As automation transforms the mining industry, the workforce must evolve alongside it to be able to understand and operate the AI, ML, IoT, AR, VR, drone and robotic tools of the trade. Traditional roles will be replaced by positions in robotics management, data analytics, cyber security, and digital engineering – opening up an array of opportunities for the gaming and tech savvy generation of today to fulfil the high-tech mining jobs of the future.
Conclusion: Africa can lead the charge on autonomous mining if it invests in digital transformation
Despite many advantages, the rise of autonomous mining technologies has its challenges – but challenges always present opportunities. For mines to embrace the future and ensure their own competitiveness by 2040, they need to invest substantially in their digital transformation in this decade. This includes the reskilling of workers, significant infrastructure upgrades, rapid high-level digitisation which includes investing in robust, inter-operable systems, and improved cyber security and operational risk management to safeguard their highly interconnected digital systems. Autonomous machinery represents a pivotal step in future-proofing African mining, and momentum is picking up fast. It is critical that mines stay ahead of the curve. As a continent that is known for its ability to leapfrog even the developed markets in terms of technology adoption, African has an immense opportunity to lead global mining on automation-enabled safety, efficiency and sustainability. Africa’s mining progress could outpace many parts of the world in the next decade and a half.
