As African nations increasingly adopt advanced technologies and AI to optimise operations across the mining value chain, the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) will bring together technology providers, investors, project developers and regulators to explore the Digital Transformation of the sector.
The event will feature a dedicated panel titled Leveraging Advanced Technologies and AI to Transform Mining Practices for Sustainable Growth, highlighting the use, challenges and investment opportunities of AI within Africa’s growing mining industry.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), AI is rapidly reshaping exploration. Speaking at AMW 2025, Louis Watum Kabamba, DRC’s Minister of Mines, said AI-enabled exploration has the potential to reduce resource discovery timelines to under three years.
He emphasised the DRC’s efforts to leverage AI to unlock 90% of its geology and over US$24 trillion in untapped minerals.
In February 2026, the country partnered with Xcalibur Smart Mapping to employ advanced geospatial solutions for mapping critical minerals and mitigating exploration risks.
The DRC is also collaborating with U.S.-based startup KoBold Metals to apply AI-driven techniques at the Mingomba Lithium Mine, enhancing lithium development.
AMW will unpack best AI practices to help Africa capitalise on its 30% share of global critical minerals, with demand projected to triple by 2030.
The event is scheduled for October 14–16 in Cape Town.
