TECHNOLOGY
The technology is designed to work in low-tech, limited-connectivity environments.
coupled with significant cultural and operational challenges. “While the cultural aspects can be a navigational challenge, it also talks to the real need for the kind of support we provide.” In Africa, Hivekit will work with consultancies that handle the on-the-ground training, spending weeks working directly with people onsite, “helping them adopt the right processes and ensuring those processes are consistently followed”. “South African mines tend to be older and more traditional, which means they often operate with a complex mix of legacy equipment, newer technologies, and different generations of operational practices. This is precisely where HiveKit is well suited. At its core, HiveKit is a data-first, vendor-agnostic platform that integrates disparate systems, with a digital twin sitting on top. We bring data from across these systems together, normalise it, and make it accessible in a single place. For mines operating a combination of older and newer equipment, that ability to unify data across the operation is particularly valuable.” Hempel explains that while the platform can operate without real-time data, connectivity makes it more effective. Hivekit addresses this through offline-first functionality, local data storage, and automatic syncing whenever devices reconnect. The technology is designed to work in low-tech, limited- connectivity environments. For instance, operators can report production directly through existing radio systems, with the platform automatically turning those voice reports into digital records. Similarly, shift instructions can be printed onto cards for workers to take underground and then scanned back into the system when they return. “Hivekit is not dependent on a mine having the latest technology. We can work with what’s already there and progressively turn it into a connected digital operation—which is particularly valuable in more traditional mining markets,”
with the two mines that are already using HiveKit—one in Ontario, Canada, and another in Peru. At a high level, we run parts of their operations and provide the day-to-day operational planning software, which means we have access to the operational data and visibility into the decisions supervisors make on a daily basis. We have used that foundation to start building AI systems around those workflows and decisions.” To date, Hivekit has been implemented at eight sites, and although the company is still a relatively young company, it has demonstrated that results go well beyond what most tools on the market can achieve. Hempel explains that the platform is well adopted and is generating strong interest because it can clearly show the gap between current operations and what is possible. Making headway into Africa According to Hempel, Africa is attractive because the region is so resource rich, with mines across virtually every country. “The precious metals sector is particularly interesting right now, given where gold prices are. That said, while gold production may be declining in some areas, including South Africa, platinum is becoming increasingly important, and we see plenty of opportunity there as well.” The company is in commercial discussions with several mining companies in South Africa and Tanzania with feedback from two miners being extremely positive. The sweet spot is with mid-tier groups. “We find that it is much more valuable to work with groups that can replicate a proven process and turn it into a template that can be rolled out across multiple sites, rather than working with individual owner-operators,” explains Hemple. For Hivekit, Africa is an interesting and dynamic market consisting of a mix of low-tech and high-tech environments,
20 MODERN MINING www.modernminingmagazine.co.za | November 2026
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