African mining firms turn to AI for growth, productivity

Mining companies are encouraged to recognise the role of artificial intelligence and digital tools to improve performance and sustainability.

According to AMW, this digital transition aims to unlock new mineral reserves, reduce operational costs, and enhance worker safety. Across Africa, mining projects are increasingly integrating AI to streamline operations and meet ambitious production targets set by governments.

AMW serves as a platform to explore a wide range of mining opportunities across the continent. The event will be held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference in Cape Town from October 1-3.

AMW has identified several successful AI-driven initiatives, including Botswana Diamonds, which has expanded its exploration beyond diamonds through a nationwide AI-based project launched in August 2024. By March 2025, the company reported discoveries of multiple mineral deposits, including besshi, greenstone, Mississippi Valley-type lead and zinc, SEDEX, and platinum group metals. In response, Botswana Diamonds has applied for 11 new prospecting licenses.
John Teeling, chairman of Botswana Diamonds, noted: “Our initial analysis of extensive datasets revealed that AI could uncover previously unidentified mineral opportunities… So far, we have pinpointed several potential targets in copper, cobalt, zinc, and gold.”

In Zambia, U.S.-based startup KoBold Metals is utilizing AI to enhance exploration and mine development efforts. AME reports that KoBold secured $537 million in funding in January 2025, bringing its total capital to $1 billion. The company is currently developing one of the world’s largest untapped copper basins in Zambia through its $2 billion Mingomba Project, with plans to produce 300,000 tons annually by 2030. Additionally, KoBold is exploring the Dumbwa Mine and Konkola West Project, aligning with Zambia’s objective of reaching 3 million tons of annual copper production by 2031.

Similarly, in South Africa, Kilken Platinum is leveraging AI to optimize operations at its Thabazimbi processing plant in Limpopo as part of a broader effort to double Platinum Group Minerals production to 83 kilograms per month.

“The project has already boosted output to 40 kilograms in its initial phase,” said Dondo Mogajane, CEO of Kilken Platinum’s parent company, Moti Group. He emphasized that AI enables real-time monitoring of production metrics while ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols.

Beyond these projects, AMW highlights Rio Tinto subsidiary Richards Bay Minerals, which is implementing AI for ore body modeling, equipment dispatch management, and blast control at its mines in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Meanwhile, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Glencore is utilizing digital technology to enhance mineral exploration as part of the Phase 2 expansion at the KTO copper and cobalt project.

AMW 2025 will feature high-level discussions on the transformative impact of AI in mining, investment prospects for technology providers, and the broader economic benefits of digital innovation in the industry.