Local Mining Companies Should Adopt Latest Technologies
Bold decisions must be taken within locally-owned mines to embrace the latest technology and ensure upstream and downstream communities benefit through the expansion of mineral exploration, extraction, beneficiation, and value addition, President of Zimbabwe Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa said.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Speaking at the Mine Entra 2024 Conference’s official opening held at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC) in Bulawayo on Thursday, President Mnangagwa stated that mining companies should strengthen partnerships with suppliers, including institutions of higher learning, to develop technological solutions and new methods in mining projects and operations.
“This will allow for symbiotic relationships with mining suppliers who have extensive local knowledge and are capable of providing customized solutions for mining needs. New frontiers such as electromobility, zero-waste mining, and continuous mining, among others, should equally be prioritized. The use of artificial intelligence in research and development, particularly in engineering, design, communication of mineral deposits, smart mining, and market forecasting, is also encouraged,” President Mnangagwa said.
The mining sector provides essential minerals like rare earths, gold, platinum, and lithium, which form the building blocks of modern society. These minerals are vital to the production of everything from smartphones to electric vehicles and renewable energy systems.
Today, mining companies and industry professionals recognize the importance of adopting new technologies to remain competitive, increase efficiency, and optimize resource use. These advancements are crucial for accessing more complex mineral deposits, improving productivity, and enhancing exploration and extraction precision.
The benefits of modern mining must extend beyond mere resource extraction to positively contribute to communities and the environment.
As the world rapidly progresses into the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the mining industry is poised to play a significant role in driving industrialization, contributing to the national economy, and creating positive spillovers into sectors like manufacturing, construction, and agriculture.