As mining companies across Africa face growing challenges in energy management and sustainability, UK-based power management and analytics firm VoltVision is aiming to transform how energy is monitored and managed, enabling mining firms to reduce costs, enhance efficiency and meet environmental goals, according to CEO Manoli Yannaghas.

Leveraging a Pretoria-based team experienced in African mining, the company addresses operational inefficiencies – considering that, in many cases, valuable data is available on mining sites but remains uncollected or underused – by turning raw data into actionable insights.

Yannaghas explains that VoltVision’s tools not only collect this data, but also display it in ways that help operators identify inefficiencies and implement targeted solutions.

“Continuous monitoring prevents regressions, ensuring sustainable operational practices. Our advanced analytics also resolve complex electrical issues, such as power factor correction and voltage control, by detecting problems in real-time,” he explains, noting that this is a shift from traditional, periodic consultancy methods.

By consolidating energy data from multiple sites, mining companies gain consistent operational oversight and the ability to plan strategically, says Yannaghas, adding that this remote capability addresses critical skill shortages while unlocking savings of between 5% and 12% on static power consumption, as reported in industry studies.

According to Yannaghas, centralised systems also prevent unnecessary power consumption by ensuring that behavioural changes, such as avoiding unneeded generator use, become embedded in operational routines.

In practice, he explains that the centralised approach has proven transformative for companies with complex operations spread across multiple locations.

By standardising energy management practices, VoltVision helps firms avoid inconsistencies that can drive up costs and increase environmental impact.

“Our clients appreciate the ability to monitor their sites in real-time, ensuring that inefficiencies are addressed before they escalate,” says Yannaghas. This approach also provides head offices with a clearer understanding of energy use, enabling them to set benchmarks and make data-driven decisions.

Cloud-Based Solution

The company’s ViVID platform is designed for seamless integration with existing mining infrastructure, avoiding costly overhauls or shutdowns. The cloud-based system offers global accessibility, enabling stakeholders to make data-driven decisions from any location.

For firms such as gold major Barrick Gold, this means streamlined collaboration between site-level teams and corporate offices, ensuring consistency and transparency across dispersed operations. This flexibility, Yannaghas tells Mining Weekly, is particularly valuable for companies operating in remote areas, where on-site expertise may be limited or difficult to retain.

He further highlights that for West Africa-focused gold miner Endeavour Mining, centralised monitoring enables streamlined oversight of five sites from a single screen, simplifying operational management.

This approach not only reduces costs but also improves accountability across operations, he explains, adding that at Zimbabwe-focused explorer, developer and miner Caledonia Mining Corporation, older equipment and limited data access posed challenges. However, VoltVision’s tools provided comprehensive performance analysis, forming the foundation for an optimised power strategy.

Meanwhile, as environmental concerns mount, mining companies are under pressure to reduce their carbon footprints. In this regard, VoltVision’s solutions can align operational efficiency with sustainability by maintaining consistent energy reductions through monitoring and proactive adjustments.

Mining companies such as Rio Tinto and Anglo American already leverage advanced energy systems to reduce emissions and improve efficiency, and VoltVision positions itself as a key partner in these efforts.

Yannaghas notes that the company’s tools are designed to support long-term environmental goals without compromising operational performance, with one of the standout features of VoltVision’s offerings being the ability to drive behavioural change among mining teams.

“Behavioural shifts are critical to achieving lasting energy reductions.”

He explains that by redesigning operational systems and implementing monitoring tools, companies can ensure that inefficient practices, such as unnecessary use of diesel generators, are eliminated. This not only reduces costs but also reduces environmental impact, reinforcing the sector’s commitment to sustainability.

Looking ahead, Yannaghas emphasises that VoltVision remains focused on advancing innovation in energy management to meet the evolving needs of the mining sector.

“The mining industry is at a crossroads, and the right energy solutions will play a pivotal role in shaping its future,” he concludes.