Ten insights into 4IR in South African mining 2026

PwC presents the third edition of Ten insights into 4IR in South African mining 2026—a deep dive into how artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies are reshaping one of South Africa’s most critical industries. 

Based on anonymised CEO interviews, line management focus groups and extensive industry engagement, the publication explores how mining leaders are responding to intensifying pressure: deeper and more complex ore bodies, rising costs, infrastructure constraints, skills shortages and growing sustainability demands. At the same time, rapid advances in AI are opening new pathways to improve safety, productivity and ‑decision-making‑ across the value chain. 

• CEO leadership is decisive. AI adoption is far more successful when CEOs actively champion technology initiatives.
• AI adoption is increasing, but slowly. Most mining companies are aware of AI, yet two‑thirds have not implemented it in core operations.
• Skills are the main constraint. Poor AI readiness is driven by a shortage of digital skills and not by lack of technology. However, AI itself could be a solution to our skills issues. 
• Mining leaders are choosing value over volume. Companies are prioritising long‑term productivity, efficiency and cost control over short‑term output.
• Technology is designed to support people. AI is being used to help employees work better, safer, and faster, not to replace them.
• Focused digital investments deliver results. When aligned to clear use cases, technology has delivered productivity gains of 10%–15%.
• Infrastructure limits digital value. AI can optimise around rail, port, power, and water constraints, but it cannot replace physical infrastructure.
• The future of mining is human‑centred and digital. The mining industry is moving towards a future where people and technology work together to improve safety, productivity, and long-term sustainability. At the center of this transformation is data. 

These insights offer a clear picture of where South African mining stands today—and what it will take to compete globally over the next five years. The message from industry leaders is unambiguous: AI is not a silver bullet, but when implemented deliberately, responsibly, and with people at the centre, it can unlock safer operations, stronger productivity, and sustainable value for mines and communities alike.