MINING INDABA REVIEW
Cutting-edge technologies are transforming exploration drilling into a high-precision, data-rich process.
Tech innovation revolutionising exploration, Mining Indaba hears From autonomous and robotic rigs and AI-powered targeting to low-impact drilling and real-time data analytics, technology is reshaping the mining sector – fast-tracking the discovery of new projects across the globe, and in Africa. A n audience at Investing in African Mining Indaba 2026 heard how cutting-edge technologies are transforming exploration drilling into a high-precision, data-rich process. uncertainty and accelerated discovery – all powered by technological advancements.
Hexagon mining division president Dave Goddard said that current drilling practices are increasingly focused on validation rather than just discovery, with technology providing the essential data to support hugely important investment decisions. “Today, advanced analytics confirms geological models and assesses economic viability,” said Goddard. “Technology
Data-powered drilling The mining industry is undergoing a significant transformation, as drilling evolves from a purely physical process to a sophisticated, data-powered discipline. A session at this year’s Mining Indaba highlighted the critical shift towards confirmation-focused drilling, where integrated AI adds significant operational efficiency. Experts emphasised that while this
A session at this year’s Mining Indaba highlighted the critical shift towards confirmation-focused drilling, where integrated AI adds significant operational efficiency.
needs to provide enough information to the person making funding decisions that they feel confident there will be a return on investment. Confidence comes from the data.” Experts also noted that industry has moved decisively from speculative, “blanket drilling” to highly targeted approaches, driven by inversion
promises to de-risk investment decisions, it also brings an urgent need to upskill the mining workforce for a data-centric future. The overarching trend is a towards higher precision, reduced
modelling and AI predictions that aim for precise
geological targets.
22 MODERN MINING www.modernminingmagazine.co.za | April 2026
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