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African mining accelerating AI usage

With KoBold Metals currently using AI to develop the Mingomba project, aiming to tap into one of the world’s largest copper basins through advanced data analysis, there has been noteworthy developments in the area of adoption of AI tools in African mining.

Mingomba is currently transitioning from an exploration success to a massive mine construction project, and as of March 2026 is considered one of the largest and highest-grade undeveloped copper deposits in the world.

Several major mining operations on the continent are already implementing AI to optimise resource extraction, improve safety, and enhance asset performance.

In 2024 Botswana Diamonds launched a nationwide exploration programme using AI to analyse vast geological datasets. The system helped with identifying new diamond-bearing zones and targets for copper, cobalt and gold in a fraction of the time required by traditional methods.

In South Africa Kilken Platinum uses AI-driven monitoring at its Thabazimbi plant to track production metrics and safety protocols in real time.

Rio Tinto employs AI for ore body modelling, intelligent blast control and fleet dispatch at Richards Bay Minerals, while Kumba Iron Ore uses AI-equipped drones for aerial surveys and blast clearances.

In Mali Resolute Mining’s Syama Mine is progressing towards becoming the world’s first fully autonomous underground gold mine, using AI for autonomous haulage and drilling.

AI adoption is delivering measurable improvements in efficiency and safety across these sites. Continuous operation of autonomous haul trucks can increase productivity by up to 30%, with AI-driven predictive maintenance having the potential to reduce equipment downtime by an estimated 35%.

Furthermore, AI systems used to predict hazardous conditions and monitor worker fatigue have been credited with reducing accident rates by up to 80% in some environments.

While on some sites algorithms are being used to optimise water and energy consumption, specifically in high-intensity stages such as crushing and milling.