Seasoned engineer, entrepreneur and business leader award winner Sereme Malatji has been at the forefront of technological innovation since 2006. With hands-on experience across multiple industries including manufacturing and mining, he has both witnessed and influenced the digital transformation of Africa’s industrial landscape.

Multidisciplinary engineering, procurement and construction management firm Methano Group launched the Methano Lab initiative, an innovation hub dedicated to leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics and embedded systems to revolutionise the Pan-African mining and manufacturing sectors. In partnership with international technology leaders from the UK and the US, Methano Lab delivers solutions tailored to Africa’s unique operational challenges, helping the continent move toward a more competitive and sustainable industrial future. This collaboration creates mutual value by enabling Pan-African countries to access advanced technologies for industrial transformation, while providing UK and US partners with first-hand exposure to real-world applications, market insights, and codevelopment opportunities in mining and manufacturing.  

The convergence of Africa’s mining and manufacturing potential with cutting-edge Western technologies presents a unique opportunity for transformation. This strategic alignment enables the unlocking of complex, high-value resources especially in hard rock deep mining through the deployment of hybrid autonomous and semi-autonomous systems. These technologies address long-standing inefficiencies, enhance operational safety, and improve productivity. Moreover, such partnerships offer a win-win model: Africa benefits from industrial growth and technological advancement, while Western collaborators gain meaningful roles in emerging markets. This integration has the potential to position Africa not only as a resource-rich continent but also as a globally competitive industrial hub.

A practical example of this innovation is evident in the material handling process in hard rock Platinum Group Metals mining. The journey begins at the stope, where blasting and ore loading occur. The broken ore is transferred into the commoner flask (ore pass), a temporary storage point that uses gravity to feed material into skips for vertical hoisting. Once on the surface, the ore is moved via the Run-of-Mine (ROM) belt conveyor to primary crushing or stockpiling before entering the processing plant. Integrating hardware and embedded systems into this mining flow enables real-time monitoring, automation and predictive control. Sensors embedded in stopes and ore passes detect rock movement and flow conditions, enhancing safety and operational oversight. Skips equipped with smart controllers and load sensors optimise hoisting cycles and enable predictive maintenance. On the ROM belt, RFID readers and automation controls manage ore tracking and prevent overloads. Linked through IoT infrastructure, these systems provide actionable insights for data-driven decision-making, ultimately improving efficiency, reducing downtime and lowering operational costs.

AI and robotics amplify these gains by automating repetitive tasks, enhancing precision, and enabling continuous operation in hazardous environments. Robotics, including autonomous vehicles and drilling systems limit human exposure to danger while increasing productivity. These technologies also pave the way for a high-skill workforce, fostering new jobs in AI, robotics and data analytics.

In the manufacturing sector, the evolution of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technologies has significantly transformed Pan-Africa's manufacturing sector, enhancing efficiency, precision and global competitiveness.

In the early stages, African manufacturers predominantly relied on manual drafting and traditional machining methods. The introduction of CAD/CAM systems marked a pivotal shift, enabling digital design and automated manufacturing processes. 

Methano Lab is more than a technology hub—it is a catalyst for inclusive economic growth and industrial revitalisation in South Africa and across the continent. By advancing AI- and robotics-driven innovation, promoting skills development, and fostering international collaboration, Methano Lab is committed to building a resilient, tech-enabled economy. Its mission to solve local challenges using global technologies positions South Africa as a leader in sustainable industrial development, job creation and long-term economic prosperity. Strategically aligned with national goals, Methano Lab is poised to contribute meaningfully to the projected 1% AI-driven growth in South Africa’s GDP by 2030. Through the application of AI and automation in manufacturing and mining, it aims to enhance product quality, lower operational costs, and boost margins by as much as 15% in certain mining commodities, ultimately driving greater economic impact and strengthening global competitiveness.

Sereme Malatji is founder and former CEO of Methano Group. He is currently a Sloan Fellow at London Business School, with over 15 years experience in industry transformation. He is a leading advocate for responsible, tech-enabled growth in Africa mining and the manufacturing sector.