To strengthen its role in developing a safer, greener, more competitive, people-centred, more circular and technologically advanced South African mining sector, the Mandela Mining Precinct (MMP) aspires to develop a greater understanding of the impact of innovation, rather than simply focusing on technology development, says MMP director Julie Courtnage.

She notes that establishing such an understanding will be a core focus for the MMP in 2026 to support skills development for people affected by these technological changes.

The MMP was developed as a public–private partnership between the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, and the Minerals Council South Africa.

The precinct’s research to date has identified how complex the successful adoption of innovative technology into existing mining processes can be.

“It depends on human factors; the existing systems at sites, including mechanical and digital systems; the mine’s operating model; and the compatibility of the innovation with existing equipment,” she adds.

Consequently, over a period of about three years, the MMP is developing an optimal model for technology adoption – one that addresses the “maturity” of all these factors, supports the choice of technology and facilitates the success of its adoption.

All the precinct’s research is conducted within a broader mandate of improving safety and operational efficiency, skills development, supporting the mining value chain, as well as embedding environmental, social and governance priorities.

In the Pipeline

Courtnage says the MMP uses a hub-and-spoke collaboration model that connects mining companies, technology developers, labour unions and research institutions through structured and challenge-led research, development and innovation (RDI) programmes.

In this model, industry partners co-define priority challenges, which are then addressed by multidisciplinary teams across universities, research centres, technology providers and the broader value-chain.

This accelerates the transition – from research to piloting and deployment – while leveraging the opportunity to consider all relevant perspectives.

“The four South African Mining Extraction Research, Development and Innovation [SAMERDI] research centres at three universities are linked to MMP programmes to ensure alignment between foundational research and industry needs,” she states.

To strengthen the acceleration of collaboration and technology adoption, the MMP is strengthening its digital and communication platforms.

These include a revamped website, the KnowMore portal, and detailed information on mining-related companies to improve the visibility of capabilities, reduce RDI duplication and allow for better and more efficient partner matching, Courtnage explains.

“We are also excited to announce our second Showcase, which will take place towards the end of 2026 and is a sequel to the inaugural MMP Showcase Day in 2024.”

The first showcase day was a “huge success”, displaying new technologies and sharing academic advancements.

“It was attended by over 300 people from across the mining value chain, and MMP is looking to extend the event – and thus the opportunities to connect and collaborate – in our 2026 programme,” she enthuses.

Putting into Action

The Successful Application of Technologies Centred Around People (SATCAP) programme’s core elements include skills development, human/technology interfaces, change processes and impact on jobs.

The SATCAP aspects are increasingly being integrated across the other research programmes to ensure that these factors are in-built components of all the MMP’s RDIs.

This year, SATCAP research will include an exploration into the future of survey solutions, progressing an exemplar learner management system in collaboration with the Mining Qualifications Authority, and deepening insights into the people-centric Maturity Matrix framework.

Meanwhile, the MMP hosts up to nine interns on 18-month contracts every year.

Graduates gain exposure to and experience of mining activities and work underground, and are mentored in aspects of professionalism, communication and interpersonal skills, Courtnage explains.

The programme also helps interns form relationships with key stakeholders in the mining value chain, and with each other, fostering increased collaboration and cooperation.

“Collaboration, innovation and the adoption of new technologies requires that people cooperate and connect at quite a profound level to build trust, share ideas, admit failures, and consider all possibilities and concerns.

“As a public–private partnership, the MMP does more than just facilitate RDI: through our intentional network-weaving activities, we support the development of robust and real relationships across the sector and the value chain,” she concludes.