TECHNOLOGY
TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
IN MINING
Although it took a bit of time, the mining industry has now accepted
new technology, and has, in fact, taken the lead in implementing new
innovations. Nicolaas Steenkamp takes a look at some of the technology
trends in mining.
T
he advent of the fourth industrial revolution has
forced the mining industry to step up and embrace
new technologies. In a very short period of time,
they have invested heavily in the development of different
applications. The main driver for this change, is industry’s
reaction to several economic downturns in the last ten
32
African Mining March 2020
years. Mining companies have embarked on programmes to
optimise operations by automating processes, reducing cost
and increasing safety.
The industry, however, needs to increase efforts related to
expectation – and fear management, as automation is seen as
www. africanmining.co.za