The mining landscape is shifting from a manual, physical process to a sophisticated, data-driven discipline. At the Investing in African Mining Indaba 2026 in Cape Town, industry experts highlighted how cutting-edge innovations are fast-tracking the discovery of new projects globally and across Africa.
Advertisement
Precision Over Speculation
The industry has decisively moved away from “blanket drilling” in favor of highly targeted approaches. This shift is powered by:
-
AI-Powered Targeting: Using artificial intelligence and inversion modelling to hit precise geological targets.
-
Validation Drilling: Modern practices focus on using data to confirm geological models and assess economic viability.
-
Investment Confidence: Technology provides the essential data required to give funders confidence in a project’s return on investment.
The Rise of the “Supervisory” Operator
Drawing parallels to the aviation and oil and gas sectors, experts predict a future where drillers transition from manual operators to supervisors and maintainers.
-
Automation: There is a growing push to automate manual processes and enable remote operations.
Advertisement
-
Real-time Feedback: Addressing the time lag in obtaining Measure While Drilling (MWD) data is critical for immediate decision-making and reducing uncertainty.
-
Machine Learning: Future rigs may function like “Google Maps,” using machine learning to detect geological changes and recommend optimal drilling parameters to ensure safety and productivity.
Building the Future Workforce
As the sector evolves, the mining workforce must undergo a significant transformation to bridge the gap between traditional drilling and data science.
-
New Disciplines: Prof. Glen Nwaila of the University of the Witwatersrand advocates for the “geo-data scientist” as a critical new role.
-
Educational Reform: Experts are calling for formalized training programs and continuous learning modules developed in partnership with industry leaders.
-
Cross-Disciplinary Teams: Tier 1 mining companies are already integrating non-traditional experts, such as data architects and analysts, into their geological teams.
Accelerating the Energy Transition
The ultimate goal of these technological advancements is to shorten the timeline to discovery. With the global energy transition driving a massive demand for critical minerals, increasing the probability of exploration success through high-precision data is no longer optional—it is a necessity.