Partnerships and collaboration are the words on everybody’s lips in the mining industry – but what does that look like? Barloworld Equipment has seen these partnerships in action, and knows how they can help the sector navigate a tumultuous time.

As the mining industry prepares for its most important conference of the year – Investing In African Mining Indaba 2026 – Executive Head: Operations Greater Africa for Barloworld Equipment John Fleetwood has described collaboration as “indispensable”, while sharing concrete examples of how it is implemented in practice.

Safety partnerships

He cites the example of recently introduced Level 9 collision avoidance systems, a powerful demonstration of OEM-mining partnerships at work.

“OEMs and technology partners worked together to implement systems that materially improve mine safety,” says Fleetwood. “This was an example of collective problem-solving across the industry.”

The South African mining industry experienced 39 fatalities in 2025 – the lowest since records began. This coincided with the roll-out of proximity detection systems, and their introduction into law.

“In the era of the energy transition, technology advances and greater safety awareness, mining growth can only come through collaboration, ” says Fleetwood.

Mining Indaba 2026 will amplify this truth. The event will see key African mining players gather in Cape Town to forge deals, drive investment, and shape the continent’s mining future. The theme of the event is “Stronger together: progress through partnerships”.

The OEM view Barloworld Equipment offers an insight into what such partnerships look like on the ground. The organisation is the official dealer for Caterpillar mining, construction and industrial machinery in several countries across Southern Africa.

“The energy transition and the decarbonisation journey are largely unchartered territory for the industry,” says Barloworld Equipment Executive Head of South Africa Operations Bongani Miya Morekhure. “No single player has all the answers, so mining progress can only be driven by deep, collaborative partnerships.”

Sustainability pathways

Morekhure points to the Caterpillar Pathways to Sustainability, a structured environment where mining customers work towards future solutions with equipment manufacturers.

“Pathways to Sustainability is an educational programme designed to support mining, quarry and aggregate industry customers on their energy transition journeys,” he says. “It is a four-year, multi-pronged experience that provides participants with holistic learning opportunities, energy transition project advice and sustainable product access. Teamwork is an indispensable part of the process.”

The energy transition, decarbonisation targets and operational complexity make it essential for mining companies to take OEMs into their confidence and co-create solutions rather than adopt off-the-shelf answers, says Fleetwood.

Such diverse stakeholder inputs accelerate technology development. The benefits are significant: reduced development risk, fit-for-purpose solutions, faster deployment and stronger long-term relationships.

Opportunities for shared benefit

In the digital space, Morekhure says partnerships between mining companies and solutions providers also generate data that translates into actionable intelligence. This enables improved equipment utilisation, proactive maintenance, optimised asset performance, and extended asset life.

As demand for critical minerals accelerates, partnerships also allow African miners to scale responsibly, competitively and inclusively. With collaboration, there can be deliberate investment in skills development and leadership capability.

“When local businesses can participate meaningfully, mining projects become more resilient and deliver lasting economic impact beyond life of mine,” says Fleetwood.

A collaboration between B2Gold and Barloworld Equipment Namibia on the Otjikoto mine was one such partnership, turning a farming operation a fully operational mine.

Barloworld Equipment served as the sole equipment supplier on the project, providing 110 fleet units. At its peak, this equipment moved 140 000 tons of material per day. The operation functioned completely off grid, with B2Gold producing 100% of its power in-house using Barloworld Power’s microgrid solution.

“The success of the Otjikoto project lay in the high level of openness, transparency, and mutual trust,” says Fleetwood. “Ultimately we were able to be more effective together, and to create sustained, shared value.”

The view from site level is that equipment partnerships are integral to mining projects, with trust-based collaboration driving real outcomes.

“This year’s Mining Indaba theme about progress through partnerships is well chosen,” says Morekhure. “Partnerships de-risk investment, and deliver safer, more productive, and more sustainable mining.”

• Investing in African Mining Indaba takes place from February 9 – 12 at the CTICC, Cape Town