Global mining software company Datamine says Zimbabwe’s mining industry could unlock significant productivity gains through digitalisation, as many operations, particularly small-scale mines, still rely on paper-based systems that limit planning and decision-making, Mining Zimbabwe reports.
By Ryan Chigoche
Across Zimbabwe’s mining sector, many small and medium-scale operations still depend on manual records, paper-based mapping, and informal planning methods to guide extraction activities.
While these systems may keep operations running, they often restrict the ability of mines to optimise production, analyse geological data effectively, and make informed long-term decisions about resource development.
This reliance on manual processes has often led to inefficient extraction, loss of valuable ore, and a limited understanding of the full potential of mineral deposits. Mining decisions are frequently made with minimal geological modelling or structured planning, reducing the chances of maximising resource recovery and extending the life of operations.
It is within this context that digital mining technologies are increasingly seen as a vital tool to modernise operations, improve planning accuracy, and enhance productivity across the sector.
Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe at the Datamine Zimbabwe Mining User Conference held in the capital today, Freddy Kapako, Regional Business Development Manager for Central and East Africa at Datamine, said digitalisation presents a major opportunity to improve how mines plan and execute operations.
“I think there are a lot of mining operations here, many of them small, and because of what they are doing it keeps them going, so they think it is okay. But there are real opportunities for them to digitise and make better decisions about where they need to go and how they have to mine,” Kapako said.
“Because if you are doing things on paper, it becomes very difficult. It is not an optimized way of operating, so you cannot necessarily reap the full benefit. That is where we see Datamine coming in to assist such organisations to do things better through the use of technology.”
Kapako explained that digital mining solutions can support both small-scale and large mining companies by improving mine planning, geological modelling, and overall operational efficiency.
For larger mining companies with greater financial and technical capacity, specialised mining software can help optimise extraction strategies, improve production planning, and potentially extend the life of operations by identifying additional resources or new deposits.
One of the biggest opportunities for digital transformation lies within Zimbabwe’s small-scale mining sector, where many operators still mine without detailed geological information or structured planning frameworks. Zimbabwe has a large number of small-scale miners, particularly in gold production, many of whom operate with limited technical support and rely on basic methods to guide their activities.
Despite the potential benefits, Kapako acknowledged that the cost of specialised mining software can discourage some smaller operators from adopting digital tools.
“Sometimes they mine not necessarily with an informed plan. A plan is made and they go and mine, but the use of software can help them make better decisions… If they look at the cost of the software, sometimes they run away from it because it is expensive, but they don’t realise that the return on investment will always be there,” Kapako said.
To address this challenge, Datamine is exploring flexible engagement models that could allow smaller mining operations to access digital tools despite budget constraints.
Kapako also highlighted the company’s move toward a bundled licensing approach that allows mining operations to access software tools tailored to specific professional roles within a mine, such as geologists or mine planners.
Under this model, companies no longer need to purchase multiple individual licences as in the past, but can instead access a package of tools suited to the responsibilities of a specific role within the mining operation.
According to the company, such flexible solutions could make digital mining technologies more accessible to a broader range of operations, helping the sector improve efficiency, optimise resource extraction, and support the continued growth of Zimbabwe’s mining industry.
To reinforce its commitment to Zimbabwe’s mining sector, Datamine is currently hosting a workshop from 11 to 13 March, training miners on its latest digital tools. The programme is designed to equip local operators with practical skills in digital mine planning and resource management, helping them apply technology to improve operational efficiency and decision-making on site.
