By Thomas Chidamba
ABEL Makura, the recently appointed president of the Association of Mine Managers of Zimbabwe (AMMZ), has urged the mining sector to adopt smart mining technologies to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
Speaking at the 52nd AMMZ Annual Conference and AGM held from Nov. 21-24, 2024, at the Holiday Inn in Bulawayo, Makura stressed the necessity for the industry to embrace advanced technologies to stay competitive and use resources responsibly.
Addressing an audience of industry leaders and stakeholders, Makura emphasised that smart mining, which includes advanced technologies like automation and improved connectivity, is becoming essential for modern mining operations. He highlighted automation as a key innovation that can reduce human involvement in repetitive and hazardous tasks.
“We must not be seen sending people to do work that machines must do. As the mining industry evolves, we should adopt technologies that assist in removing humans from risky workplaces and allow machines to perform tasks where possible,” Makura said during his keynote address. He explained that automation enhances productivity while significantly reducing safety risks for workers.
Makura also underscored the importance of responsible mining, a concept aligned with sustainable resource management principles. He noted that minerals are finite and must be extracted with care to ensure long-term benefits. “If the production of our minerals is not done sustainably, we are not deemed to be mining efficiently,” he said. Makura added that smart mining offers solutions to achieve both efficiency and sustainability.
The conference, which gathered experts, managers, and stakeholders from across the country, highlighted how technological improvements, such as enhanced internet connectivity and communication systems, are reshaping the mining sector. Makura noted that workplaces supporting smart mining would increasingly rely on digital tools and collaborative spaces, enabling seamless operations even in remote areas.
However, adopting smart mining technologies comes with challenges. High initial costs for systems like automation and artificial intelligence can deter smaller mining companies, while limited internet connectivity and electricity supply remain persistent issues. Additionally, the transition to technology-driven operations requires skilled personnel, a resource still in short supply locally.
Despite these challenges, Makura expressed optimism about the potential of smart mining to improve the industry. He called on stakeholders to recognise the long-term benefits of integrating these technologies, which include reduced operational costs, increased safety, and improved resource management.
Makura’s remarks at the AMMZ Annual Conference serve as a call to action for the mining sector. Embracing smart mining is not just about technological advancement but about securing the industry’s future and ensuring that mining operations contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economic development.
