IGF Case Study: Automation and Water-Saving Technologies

The rapid advance of new technologies in the mining industry is completely reshaping the way mines operate across the globe. And, while technological progress is a constant feature of human evolution, current industrial innovations, including in the mining sector, are particularly disruptive.

Moreover, the capabilities created by technical innovations are being significantly enhanced by the synergy of many different technological advances working together. As a result of those changes, we expect mining processes to be smarter, leaner, more efficient and more flexible in terms of employment—and arguably more sustainable.

These case studies highlight the key emerging technologies that are being rolled out in the mining sector and their potential impacts on mining-rich countries. Case studies based on innovations in Australia, Mali and South Africa, focusing on two different types of technologies (namely automation and water-saving technologies) illustrate what the possible impacts could be and how governments are responding to those challenges.