KoBold Metals CEO to Highlight AI’s Growing Role in African Mining

Artificial intelligence is set to take centre stage at this year’s African Mining Week (AMW), with Mfikeyi Makayi scheduled to share insights on how advanced technology is reshaping mineral exploration across the continent.

The event will take place in Cape Town from October 14 to 16, bringing together mining executives, investors, policymakers and technology leaders to discuss the future of Africa’s mining industry.

AI Transforming Mineral Discovery

As Chief Executive Officer of KoBold Metals Africa, Makayi is expected to outline how artificial intelligence and data analytics are helping identify mineral deposits faster, reduce exploration risks and lower development costs.

The California-based mining technology company has gained global attention for combining machine learning, geoscience and large-scale data modelling to improve the success rate of mineral exploration.

Backed by prominent investors including Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, KoBold Metals is positioning itself at the forefront of technology-driven resource discovery.

According to the company, its proprietary data-modelling platform is designed to de-risk exploration activities and accelerate the development of critical mineral projects.

Expanding Footprint Across Africa

KoBold Metals has been actively expanding its presence across several African mining jurisdictions.

In Zambia, the company is developing the Mingomba Copper Project, a project valued at approximately $2.3 billion. The development aligns with Zambia’s ambition to increase annual copper production to three million tonnes by 2031.

In Burundi, KoBold is collaborating with government authorities to digitise geological data and apply artificial intelligence to identify potential deposits of nickel, copper and cobalt.

Meanwhile, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the company has announced plans to invest more than $1 billion in the Manono Lithium Project, one of the world’s largest hard-rock lithium deposits.

Makayi is expected to provide updates on these projects during her presentation at African Mining Week.

AI Opportunities and Workforce Concerns

While artificial intelligence is increasingly viewed as a powerful tool for improving exploration efficiency and reducing costs, concerns remain about its potential impact on employment within the mining sector.

Labour organisations including the Mineworkers Union of Zambia and Labour Research Service have raised concerns that greater automation and AI adoption could reduce opportunities for lower-skilled workers.

The debate highlights a broader challenge facing the global mining industry: balancing technological innovation with workforce development and job creation.

African Mining Week to Focus on Technology and Critical Minerals

African Mining Week 2026 is expected to feature extensive discussions on critical minerals, investment opportunities, sustainability and emerging technologies.

As demand for copper, lithium, cobalt, nickel and other energy-transition minerals continues to rise, artificial intelligence is increasingly being viewed as a key tool for unlocking Africa’s vast mineral potential while improving exploration success rates.

Makayi’s presentation is likely to provide valuable insights into how AI-driven exploration could shape the next generation of mining projects across the continent, helping Africa