Driven by a current strong demand from copper, South African mining services company and technology integrator Dwyka Mining Services is supporting Zambian mines through the deployment of drones and robotic technologies, having partnered with a diversified miner in March to deploy terrestrial and aquatic technologies and train mine personnel on their use.

This initiative aligns with the early stages of the Zambian copper miner’s expansion plans.

“The Dwyka team completed a packed week of on-site training covering aerial and aquatic surveys for 12 personnel,” says Dwyka CEO Jamie van Schoor.

The mine’s surveyors received comprehensive training on the new technologies, with some completing advanced refresher courses.

However, while official surface drone licensing remains with the applicable country’s aviation authority, he says Dwyka is able to issue competency certificates and offers regular training to ensure quality and safety standards are met.

Following this March training, Dwyka will conduct follow-up visits to the client to reinforce workflows and ensure effective systems integration. “With ongoing hardware and software evolution, continuous upskilling remains essential to support consistent user competency.

“With Zambia already a leader in drone adoption, our focus remains on enhancing human-machine collaboration to empower local workforces,” Van Schoor elaborates.

Dwyka’s involvement in this project spans aerial surveying, implementation strategies for underground and surface operations, and tailored training programmes for the Zambian client.

The scope of this project saw the deployment of two unmanned aerial systems – Wingtra drones capable of vertical take-off and landing, and DJI multirotor aerial systems, as well as unmanned aquatic surface systems developer CHCNAV bathymetric boats.

These remote-control systems are being used by the Zambian miner for efficient data capture in environmental and survey contexts.

“Our solutions enhanced decision-making speed, improved operational safety by keeping personnel out of hazardous zones and enabled digital survey and environmental mapping for benchmarking and planning,” he explains.

As for work in servicing Zambian clients, Van Schoor emphasises that Zambia is a central pillar in Dwyka’s regional growth strategy and, through Dwyka < LABS >, the company is investing in Zambian talent and expanding engagement with local mine operators, laying the groundwork for long-term partnerships and technological integration.

Further, he adds that Dwyka is expanding digital transformation across Zambia by integrating satellite communications made possible by Starlink, for connectivity on surface and visualisation platforms like Ventsim for underground operations.

“We’re committed to supporting both surface and underground mining with cutting-edge tools and passionate about getting ‘mud-in-boots’ with our clients for on-site involvement,” he concludes.