Mining is one of MTN Business’s five key growth sectors.
Africa— with most eager to trial the latest technologies prior to commercial rollout. Beyond this, mines are adopting technologies that strengthen their connected supply chains. “We also offer fleet-management solutions within the transport and logistics vertical, providing end-to-end visibility from pit to port. This allows customers to track their goods in real time throughout the entire route,” advises Mdladla. Further to this, AI and digital twins are gaining traction as mines look for ways to simulate operations, predict failures, optimise drilling and blasting, manage environmental impacts, and enable remote inspections. According to Mdladla, with rising cybercrime, cybersecurity has also become top of mind, prompting mining companies to strengthen safeguards around operational and personal data. Driving community and workforce development Beyond operational benefits, MTN’s private networks also support local communities as part of mines’ social and labour commitments. In 2025, a major mining house invested R60 million to expand its private network infrastructure—highlighting the importance of digital capability in host regions. As mining becomes more digital, workforce readiness is essential. Mines are increasingly focused on upskilling employees and local communities in areas such as remote operations, drone handling, troubleshooting, and equipment monitoring. “Mines must provide continuous learning—tracking how often each employee is trained, retrained, and resensitised,” says Mdladla. Skills development is a critical priority for companies to ensure operational efficiency, improve safety, and maintain a social license to operate. Concludes Abdulahi, “We entered this space long before it became a trend, positioning ourselves at the forefront of digital transformation in mining. By anticipating the direction of the industry, we’ve established ourselves as a thought leader— ensuring our platform not only enhances safety today but also supports sustainable growth for the future.” n
What is a connected mine? A connected mine is a digitally transformed operation that integrates IoT, cloud technologies, sensors, and real-time analytics across the entire value chain—from exploration to processing. By linking IT and OT systems, connected mines enable real-time monitoring, automation, predictive decision-making, and enhanced safety, ultimately driving more efficient, sustainable, and profitable operations.
maintenance—which often leads to unnecessary work—mines are adopting predictive maintenance. By using real-time data to identify only the interventions that matter, they can reduce downtime, eliminate redundant tasks, and extend asset life. Innovation at scale: 6 POCs and counting In enabling smart mining, MTN Business is supporting the transition through multiple proof-of-concept (POC) initiatives across the continent. MTN Business, in collaboration with miners and technology partners, has already run six innovation POCs, including collision-avoidance systems. “To gauge a mine’s digital readiness, we partner with it from the POC stage. We find that once the results align with its long- term strategy, management secures approval and budgets for full deployment of new technologies,” says Abdulahi. One such innovative project is a smart helmet POC, set for rollout in Q1 2026, developed in partnership with two major South African mining houses. The helmet integrates sensors and a missing-person locator—now a regulatory requirement for all mines. “As part of our strategy to drive digital transformation in mining, this technology will be a game changer—not just for MTN, but for South Africa and our customers,” Abdulahi notes. To date, MTN has partnered with more than 50 mines across
February 2026 | www.modernminingmagazine.co.za MODERN MINING 13
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