Automation
Automation is the use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention, encompassing control systems, machinery, software and processes that operate independently or semi-independently. It spans a wide range of applications, from simple mechanised tools to complex integrated systems driven by robotics, artificial intelligence and cloud computing. Automation is a cornerstone of modern manufacturing, mining, pharmaceuticals and automotive production, where it enhances efficiency, precision, consistency and safety. The technology enables continuous operation, reduces labour costs and minimises human error, making it essential for industries seeking competitive advantage in global markets. In the context of Industry 4.0 and digital transformation, automation increasingly incorporates smart sensors, data analytics and machine learning to create adaptive, self-optimising production environments. Adoption of automation is accelerating across Africa, driven by initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, which incentivises productivity gains and quality improvements. However, the shift raises significant skills development challenges, as workforces must transition from manual roles to technical positions involving programming, maintenance and system oversight. Automation also plays a critical role in addressing labour shortages, hazardous working conditions and the need for scalability in resource-intensive sectors. The technology has evolved from early mechanisation in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries through programmable logic controllers in the mid-twentieth century to today's interconnected, intelligent systems that form the backbone of advanced industrial economies.
Automation Updates
Considerable room to increase mining’s innovation intensity, survey finds 
By: Martin Creamer 4th August 2026 The results of a study on the modernisation of South African mining indicate that there is considerable room to increase innovation participation... →
Intelligent Industrial Operations Outlook 2026
17th April 2026 The first edition of the Intelligent Industrial Operations Outlook explores how industrial operations are shifting from traditional automation to... →
SA: Paul Mashatile: Address by Deputy President, at the 5th HRDC Summit 2026, Gallagher Convention Centre, Gauteng (16/04/2026)
17th April 2026 We convene during a period of significant transformation, both globally and domestically. Equally, the meeting of the Human Resource Development... →
Zero-retrenchment automation bringing faster vessel loading at RBCT
By: Martin Creamer 28th January 2026 The new automation at Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT) in KwaZulu-Natal has begun with very efficient coal stacking and reclaiming processes that... →
AI in hospitality: Navigating the enhancement revolution
13th October 2025 The hospitality market is experiencing unprecedented growth in artificial intelligence (AI) investment, reflecting the industry's recognition that... →
New mining technology is pointing to continuous round-the-clock operation on many fronts
By: Martin Creamer 27th August 2025 The new mining technology being advanced by Master Drilling promises “continuous”, round-the-clock mining uplift – even when it comes to narrow... →
Fourth industrial revolution in South Africa: inequality stands in the way of true progress
17th February 2025 In his 2019 State of the Nation address, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that he was creating a commission on the fourth... →
Global Economic Futures: Productivity in 2030
21st January 2025 The Global Economic Futures: Productivity in 2030 report, developed in collaboration with Accenture, explores how the interaction of technology and... →
Why gold equities are continuing to underperform the gold price
By: Martin Creamer 12th November 2024 Why is it that gold equities are continuing to underperform the gold price? That is a question Mining Weekly put to Barrick president and CEO Dr... →
Omnia Holdings offering broader value proposition through BME mining segment
By: Martin Creamer 21st October 2024 Leading mine blasting solutions provider BME today announced a new alignment with Protea Mining Chemicals, which provides one point of contact for... →
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