The increasing reliance on advanced technologies capable of operating all day and all night has heightened fears of possible job losses at mining companies.
Commenting on mounting concerns about how this development is impacting employment and local communities, Deputy Chair of Corridor Mining Resources (CMR) Praise Ragimana, said: “Technology should be implemented responsibly in the mining sector”.
Ragimana, who is also a seasoned entrepreneur, said technology should complement workers’ output and not replace them.
“New mining technology, which can mine and produce more efficiently and operate around the clock, must not be used as a reason to replace local communities,” Ragimana said.
“Mining companies have a responsibility to train both skilled and unskilled workers, ensuring they know how to adapt to new technology and changing processes.”
Ragimana stated that embracing innovations, including artificial intelligence, was essential for growth and competitiveness.
“We must embrace technology, including AI, but local communities and employees must benefit from the good that technology brings,” he said.
“The focus should always be on empowerment, not displacement.”
Legal Framework Supports Community Development
South Africa’s Mining Charter and the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) provide a framework for responsible mining practices.
Both emphasise local beneficiation, skills development, and the socio-economic upliftment of mining communities.
Under the MPRDA, mining companies are mandated to contribute to community development, ensuring that technological advancement does not leave local workers behind.
In that regard, Ragimana said: “Technology can be a game-changer if implemented correctly”.
He said companies should invest in training programs that equip local workers with the skills to operate and maintain modern equipment.
“This approach ensures that communities remain economically active and that the benefits of innovation are shared widely,” Ragimana stated.
Balancing Innovation with Social Responsibility
Ragimana said experts agree that the successful integration of technology in mining requires thoughtful planning and community engagement.
He said by combining innovation with skills development, the sector can achieve a balance between operational efficiency and social responsibility.
“Technology is a tool, not a replacement for people,” Ragimana reiterated.
“The future of mining depends on how well we prepare our workforce to work with these tools,” Ragimana concluded.”
Ragimana said with proper planning, regulatory compliance, and community-focused initiatives, South Africa’s mining sector can modernise while safeguarding employment and empowering local communities to share in the industry’s progress.
