New emerging innovations are transforming the South African mining, manufacturing, industrial and automation sectors and driving the deployment of advanced technological solutions across operations. Innovations such as mechanisation, automation and digitisation are improving safety and productivity on mines, production facilities, industrial plants and warehouses. However, to deliver real value, these technologies must be cost-effective and designed to address practical, people-centred industry challenges.

The current growth in automation is positively impacting local industries by facilitating investment in innovation, data analytics and skills development, and helping to develop local competitiveness and export potential as local African solutions are adapted to be exported regionally. South African engineers are leaders in innovation and technology development. Many of these innovations and newly automated systems will be on display at the largest trade-show of its kind in Southern Africa, Electra Mining Africa 2026 taking place in Johannesburg later this year.

Some of these innovations include new CNC simulation server automation software for CNC specific user interfaces that simulate part machining using real-time data. Also on show will be automated purpose-built digital systems that track and trace projects that provide real-time visibility, improve collaboration, and ensure that critical information is accessible to the right people at the right time.

Mining and petrochemical industries demand uninterrupted power, precision control, and uncompromising safety as even brief interruptions can cause operational downtime, safety risks, and financial losses. In response to changing industry requirements new developments in intelligent, digitally-enabled power solutions for modern, mission-critical facilities will be on show.

As mining operations continue to adopt higher levels of automation, the reliability of the data feeding these systems has become increasingly critical. Companies specialising in industrial sensing and monitoring technologies are contributing to the development of more reliable automated systems focusing on digital speed, position and condition monitoring solutions designed for use in demanding industrial and mining environments. Local companies will display the latest developments in precision motion within automated mining and heavy industry systems.

Other new technologies on display at Electra Mining Africa include collision avoidance systems for mining operations integrated with AI cameras capable of reliably detecting people vehicles and obstacles in real mining conditions, as well as new network terminal slice computing technology that moves computing from centralised servers to localised, device-level processing for improved speed, efficiency and resilience. Even emergency prevention systems are automating, with automated fire suppression systems for modern mines and industries also on display.  

The biennial show will introduce several notable additions in 2026, including a new outdoor exhibition area in the Arena at the Expo Centre. According to Montgomery Group Africa portfolio director Charlene Hefer, the new Orange Zone has been created in response to strong exhibitor interest and the need for additional space following the previous show.

“The new Orange Zone allows us to accommodate more companies looking to showcase large-scale equipment and innovations outdoors,” says Hefer. “It also enables greater participation from original equipment manufacturers, giving visitors a valuable opportunity to view, compare and evaluate a broader range of solutions across the show’s expanded outdoor exhibition areas.”

Electra Mining Africa 2024 surpassed previous records in terms of number of exhibitors, exhibition space, and number of visitors. Hefer says that the 2026 show will be even bigger with over 1000 exhibitors and expanded floor space, which includes the new orange zone. “A growing exhibition reflects increased industry participation and innovation, offering visitors a broader and more diverse range of solutions to explore and evaluate,” notes Hefer. “Visitors will have access to a wide range of technologies, suppliers, and expertise in one location, reducing the time and cost associated with sourcing products and supplier engagement”.

International exhibitors and country pavilions will bring global innovations and new technologies to the show. Beyond the exhibition floor, the event offers valuable networking, collaboration and knowledge-sharing opportunities through seminars, technical workshops and informal engagement across the broader industry landscape.