By Sue Breckenridge

The 2026 MEMSA #MindShift Conference brought together mining executives, OEMs, engineers, researchers, policymakers and thoughtleaders to explore how South Africa’s mining equipment manufacturing sector can remain globally competitive amid accelerating technological and industrial change.

Hosted by the Mining Equipment Manufacturers of South Africa (MEMSA), the conference focused on the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI), digitalisation, localisation, sustainability and workforce transformation across the mining industry.

A key theme throughout the event was that innovation is no longer optional.

Discussions highlighted how AI is reshaping both technical and professional work, with delegates noting that this may be the first time white-collar professionals have developed technologies capable of disrupting white-collar jobs at scale.

However, speakers stressed that the conversation was centred on adaptation rather than fear, with mining continuing to rely heavily on human judgement, practical problem-solving and operational experience.

Julie Courtnage, Director of the Mandela Mining Precinct, noted during discussions that “no country is AI-native,” reinforcing the view that every nation and industry is currently navigating the same technological transition and has the opportunity to shape its own AI future.

Another major focus area was the need for more agile and industry-relevant research and development models.

Coaltech CEO Avhurengwi Nengovhela noted during discussions that, “Technology is moving quickly; research, collaboration and innovation ecosystems need to move with it.”

Ian MacKay further highlighted South Africa’s unique advantage within the global mining landscape, emphasising the need “to mine the valuable data collected over centuries of mining in the country,” pointing to the significant opportunity to leverage historical mining data for future AI, exploration and operational innovation.

The conference also hosted the 2026 Innovation for Mining and Excellence Awards, recognising technologies delivering meaningful impact in mining safety, productivity, sustainability and operational performance.

MEMSA noted that award judging placed equal emphasis on innovation and measurable industry impact.

Major Award Winners Included:

Excellence Award: Future Workforce Builders - Bell Equipment South Africa was recognised for its strong culture of innovation, apprenticeship development and digital skills integration. While, Buraaq Mining Services received the SME category award for its artisan training programme and practical technology exposure initiatives.

Excellence Award: Global Game Changer - AZTEC Innovative Mining Solutions received the award for its globally exported gold tailings treatment technology and commitment to fully local manufacturing.

Innovation by an SME - Buraaq Mining Services won for its Mechanised Roof Bolter designed to improve underground safety through intelligent control systems and operator protection.

Innovative Use of Data and AI - Mentormate received the inaugural award for its AI-powered engineering expertise platform tailored to Southern African mining conditions.

Digital Solutions for Mining - SmartOps was recognised for its Bluetooth Low Energy underground tracking and communication system enabling precise underground positioning.

Innovation for an Energy Transition in Mining - Gravitas Minerals won for its Chromex Process, a water-only technology recovering chrome and iron from tailings while reducing energy use and carbon intensity.

Innovation Towards Zero Harm - HydroPower Systems won for its water-powered remote drilling system enabling safer underground ore pass development.

Innovation in Mineral Processing - AZTEC Innovative Mining Solutions received the award for its patented reactor technology recovering additional gold from leach tailings.

Innovation in Surface Mining - Bell Equipment South Africa won for its advanced Motor Grader platform featuring AI-ready architecture and telematics integration.

Innovation in Soft Rock Mining - SmartOps was recognised for its Cutting Sequence Monitor system using Bluetooth Low Energy mesh networking.

Innovation in Hard Rock Mining (Navin Singh Award) - Wekaba Engineering received the award for its patented Grout Flower Seal Solution, improving anchor installation efficiency, safety and grout retention.

As the conference concluded, delegates expressed strong confidence in South Africa’s engineering capability and mining innovation potential despite growing economic and operational pressures.

The MEMSA #MindShift Conference reinforced that the future of mining will belong to organisations capable of combining technology, industrial agility and human adaptability to solve real operational challenges.