Huawei South Africa gathered mining companies, technology partners and university researchers in Johannesburg at Huawei South Africa Connect 2026 to discuss the shift from connected operations to intelligent mining. The discussion focused on the technologies needed to support that transition.
Connectivity becomes the operational foundation
Huawei outlined an approach that matches connectivity to different mining environments. In open-pit operations, private 5G can support high-volume data transmission without recurring public network data charges. For underground mines, Wi-Fi Mesh can extend connectivity into changing working areas.
The company also highlighted optical-fibre sensing as a way to extend perception beyond conventional communications. Distributed fibre sensing can be used for perimeter intrusion detection and for continuous acoustic monitoring of conveyor idlers.
Because the fibre acts as a continuous sensor, mines can detect unusual vibration or sound patterns and identify potential faults earlier, shifting from scheduled inspections to condition-based maintenance.
AI must begin with mining value, not technology fashion
The round table explored practical AI applications already relevant to Southern African mining. These included conveyor belt inspection, oversized material detection, equipment health monitoring, perimeter protection, personal protective equipment detection, driver fatigue monitoring, predictive maintenance and automated operational reporting.
Computer vision was highlighted as a practical starting point because many mines already have extensive CCTV networks. Edge AI can analyse existing camera feeds to identify unsafe behaviour and equipment issues.
“Connectivity is the starting point, not the goal. The real challenge is no longer how to connect equipment on a mine. It is how to turn operational data into safer working conditions and measurable gains in productivity. That happens when mining companies and technology partners build the digital foundations together and when AI moves from trials into everyday operations,” said Li.
Robotics links research with underground safety
The University of Pretoria presented research into quadruped and humanoid robots for underground mining.
A proposed proof of concept at the South Deep gold mine will assess whether robotic platforms can operate reliably in deep-level conditions while reducing human exposure and strengthening real-time operational control.
Digital twins provide a common operational view
BCX demonstrated a digital twin platform that integrates data from IoT sensors, CCTV, PLCs, SCADA, MES and other operational systems in a single two- or three-dimensional view.
The demonstration showed how a mine could visualise production data, energy and water use, personnel and vehicle locations, environmental readings, equipment status, alarms and surveillance feeds in one operational view. Open interfaces and low-code integration were presented as important for reducing the cost and complexity of connecting diverse mining technologies.
The platform could support faster decision-making, personnel tracking, threshold-based alerts, maintenance planning and future mine expansion. However, presenters noted that digital twins are only as effective as the quality of data and integration.
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