By Charmaine Ndlela
South Africa risks falling further behind global mining competitors unless government, industry and research institutions accelerate the modernisation of the sector, according to three new reports released by the Minerals Council South Africa.
The studies warn that while mining companies are increasingly adopting technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the country continues to lag behind leading mining nations because of regulatory uncertainty, weak research and development investment, critical skills shortages and a fragmented innovation ecosystem.
The reports were launched during the Mining Modernisation Showcase in Johannesburg.
They South Africa’s progress in research, development and innovation (RDI), benchmark the country’s mining industry against global competitors, and examine the growing role of artificial intelligence and Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies in mining operations.
Addressing delegates at the showcase, Minerals Council South Africa CEO Mzila Mthenjane said modernisation is no longer a strategic choice but an economic necessity.
“South African
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