2026 Agenda Sessions

Harnessing collaborative partnerships to modernise the mining innovation ecosystem

This session explores how collaborative partnerships, enabled through South Africa’s science and innovation policy framework and coordinated by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), are modernising the mining industry and supporting a more competitive and sustainable future. It examines how a connected innovation ecosystem brings together government, industry, research institutions and innovators to align policy, research and implementation in response to the sector’s evolving needs.

The discussion will examine how automation and digital technologies are being applied to improve productivity, safety and environmental performance, alongside the effective translation of research and strategy into practical, on the ground mining solutions through collaboration across the ecosystem. It will also highlight the growing role of Earth observation and geospatial data, supported through national innovation capabilities, in enabling safer, smarter and more risk aware mining decision making. In addition, the session will consider how innovation ecosystems can support start ups and small and medium enterprises to commercialise technologies, ensuring that innovation extends beyond large mining houses and responds to the realities of smaller scale mining.

Thriving through change: Latest mining trends and solutions for equipment productivity, sustainabili

Mining outputs have never been more important to supporting energy security and a lower-carbon transition. Against the pressure to meet growing demand profitably and sustainably, the sector is battling with rising costs and talent shortages. How can miners produce more and emit less as a responsible corporate citizen? This requires relentless focus on operational efficiency and environmental actions, delivered through partnerships and innovation. At the heart of the equation, the role of lubricants becomes critical.