Source: Experts issue digital wake-up call for mining – herald
Nqobile Bhebhe-Zimpapers Business Hub
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) is poised to transform Zimbabwe’s mining industry, with experts warning the cost of failing to embrace intelligent technologies is far greater than the investment required to deploy them.
As Zimbabwe accelerates efforts to build a multi-billion-dollar mining industry, experts say digital technologies such as AI, cloud computing, private communication networks and real-time data analytics are now key to improving productivity, reducing costs, enhancing worker safety and attracting fresh investment into one of the country’s most strategic economic sectors.
Mining contributes 12-15 percent to Zimbabwe’s gross domestic product (GDP), generates nearly 80 percent of export earnings and accounts for close to 70 percent of foreign direct investment, underlining its central role in driving economic growth.
Gold, platinum, lithium, chrome and diamonds continue to anchor the sector, while multi-billion-dollar investments in lithium are positioning Zimbabwe as a key player in the global energy transition.
Apart from anchoring the economy, mining is critical in maintaining the stability of the local currency, Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), which is backed by gold and foreign currency.
Zimbabwe generated an estimated total of US$8,6 billion from all mineral exports in 2025.
Record-breaking gold deliveries and a strong performance across the base and energy minerals drove the outturn.
However, the industry’s ambitions are being tested by rising operating costs, ageing equipment, fluctuating commodity prices, workplace safety concerns and increasing pressure from investors to meet environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards.
These challenges are accelerating the search for smarter, technology-driven mining solutions. Liquid Intelligent Technologies Zimbabwe vice-president and chief executive officer Ms Lorreta Songola said the next phase of mining growth would be defined as much by intelligence as extraction.
“Smart mining technologies, powered by advanced connectivity, cloud platforms and AI-driven insights, are increasingly providing the tools needed to achieve these outcomes,” she said.
“This is creating new opportunities for organisations to operate more efficiently, reduce operational risk and unlock greater value from their assets.”
She said Zimbabwe’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2026-2030) positions AI as a catalyst for productivity and innovation, with smart mining environments integrating connected infrastructure, operational technology and AI-driven insights to improve safety, productivity and decision-making.
According to Ms Songola, AI is already moving beyond theory into practical mine operations.
She said AI-powered systems can monitor compliance with personal protective equipment, detect workers entering restricted areas, automatically stop underground equipment when danger is detected and analyse operational data to predict equipment failures before they occur.
While implementing AI solutions requires substantial upfront investment in connectivity infrastructure, cloud platforms, sensors and cybersecurity, she said mining companies should view the expenditure as a long-term strategic investment rather than an additional operational cost.
“Mining companies that have not yet begun their digital transformation journey risk falling behind in an industry increasingly defined by data, automation and operational intelligence,” she said.
“The time for these organisations to assess their digital readiness and build the foundations for intelligent operations is now.”
The push towards AI is also receiving strong policy backing from the Government as Zimbabwe aligns its economic transformation agenda with emerging global technologies.
Speaking during a virtual press conference held on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Dalian, China, in June, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said Zimbabwe was positioning itself to benefit from technological shifts reshaping industries and investment flows.
He said AI has emerged as one of the most significant drivers of future economic growth, attracting substantial investment worldwide and creating opportunities for countries that position themselves early.
“Artificial intelligence is going to be the biggest driver of development of economic growth going forward. It will be adopted by companies, by the Government at different paces, at different speeds, but it is so far attracting a large amount of investment into that sector,” he said.
Industry experts agree that the financial consequences of delaying AI adoption are becoming increasingly significant.
Unexpected equipment breakdowns, avoidable workplace accidents, excessive fuel and electricity consumption, production stoppages and inefficient mineral recovery continue to erode profitability across mining operations.
AI-driven predictive maintenance and intelligent production planning can substantially reduce these losses while improving operational efficiency.
Mining analyst Mr Walter Sakala said digital transformation would increasingly determine the competitiveness of mining companies.
“Mining is becoming more technology-intensive across the world. Companies that embrace AI and automation will lower production costs, improve recovery rates, strengthen safety standards and become more attractive to investors,” he said.
“Those that delay risk becoming uncompetitive in an industry where efficiency is everything.” Business strategist with ConsultWorld Enterprise Mr Busani Malaba is of the view that AI presents an opportunity to significantly improve occupational safety while enhancing operational performance.
“Artificial intelligence gives mine managers access to real-time operational information that enables quicker decision-making,” he said.
“Early detection of hazardous conditions can prevent accidents, minimise production disruptions and protect lives. Improved safety also translates into improved productivity because operations become more reliable.”
Beyond mine sites, experts say AI-driven mining could also stimulate broader industrial development by creating opportunities for local technology firms and engineering businesses. Economist Mr Isaac Nekati said widespread AI adoption would stimulate industrialisation beyond mining itself.
“Digital mining will create opportunities for Zimbabwean engineers, software developers, equipment manufacturers and technology companies,” he said.
“As mines modernise, demand for locally developed engineering solutions, automation services and technical skills will also increase, creating value across the wider economy.”
Analysts say AI will be particularly important as Zimbabwe expands lithium production to supply the rapidly growing global electric vehicle battery market.
Intelligent technologies can optimise ore recovery, improve geological modelling, automate drilling, monitor energy consumption and enhance mineral processing, enabling mining companies to extract more value from every tonne of ore while reducing waste.
However, the effectiveness of these technologies depends on robust digital infrastructure.
Ms Songola said many mining companies continue to rely on fragmented operational systems, making it difficult to obtain a complete view of mine performance.
She said cloud computing, edge computing and secure private communication networks would enable companies to integrate data from underground operations, processing plants and corporate offices, providing the foundation for predictive maintenance, production optimisation and real-time decision-making.
She added that cybersecurity has become equally critical as more mining equipment and operational technology become connected to digital networks.
Even as AI gains momentum, industry observers caution that technology alone will not guarantee success.
AI, cloud computing, automation and real-time data analytics are transforming mining operations by improving productivity, enhancing safety, reducing operational costs and enabling faster decision-making.
These technologies are increasingly becoming essential as mining companies seek to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global industry.
Experts say Zimbabwe’s ability to combine its vast mineral wealth with AI-driven technologies and a skilled workforce will determine whether the country simply extracts minerals or builds a globally competitive, efficient and resilient mining industry capable of delivering sustainable long-term economic growth.
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