By: Paul Steyn, Project Manager Lead – Field Services, Schneider Electric

Africa, often dubbed the ‘world’s mineral hub,’ holds 30% of the globe’s mineral resources and 19% of the reserves of essential metals for modern energy infrastructure. As the continent continues to fuel global demand - not only for traditional commodities but also for battery technology, renewable energy, and low-carbon infrastructure - the need for resilient, intelligent, and sustainable mining operations has never been greater. Schneider Electric’s innovative solutions, especially in digitalisation and predictive power systems, are set to transform Africa’s MMM sector and keep it a key driver of the global energy transition.

The shift towards electrification and clean energy depends heavily on raw materials such as copper, silicon, lithium that are predominantly mined in Africa. These operations are complex and demand advanced solutions that go beyond traditional practices. An integrated approach - combining predictive maintenance, digital energy management, and microgrid technologies - offers a way forward.

Predictive power systems: ensuring continuous and safe operations

Mining environments are challenging—remote locations, extreme weather, and 24/7 operations make downtime costly and risky. Power failures can cause equipment damage, halt production, and pose safety hazards. Schneider Electric has embedded predictive analytics within its power management systems, transforming reactive maintenance into proactive, preventative strategies.

At its core is Schneider’s EcoStruxure Power Operation—a digital platform that consolidates control, monitoring, and visualisation of low and medium voltage systems. Operators can monitor equipment health, receive real-time alerts, and access historic data from a centralised SCADA environment. This connectivity streamlines operations and enhances safety.

Building on this, Schneider’s Applications & Analytics layer leverages cloud-based machine learning algorithms to predict failures before they occur. By analysing operational data, these systems detect anomalies early and automatically notify engineers, allowing scheduled maintenance that prevents costly breakdowns and extends equipment lifespan. For Africa’s harsh environments and tight margins, this capability boosts safety, reliability, and environmental efficiency—crucial factors for sustainable growth.

Digitalisation and microgrid integration: smarter energy use

Digitalisation also plays a vital role in energy management, especially in Africa’s increasingly remote mining sites. Schneider’s EcoStruxure modular design and controls manage energy supply, load balancing, and real-time power switching, allowing mines to optimise renewable integrations, control peak loads, and maintain continuous power supply regardless of location.

Integrating renewable energy sources like solar and wind with traditional grids presents technical challenges, but Schneider’s MicroGrid Solutions simplify this process. These solutions enable managed, safe utilisation of diverse power inputs, with real-time scheduling and predictive control ensuring energy is used most effectively. This approach reduces reliance on fossil fuels, lowers costs, and enhances resilience—aligning with global sustainability goals.

Safety and control: balancing innovation with risk mitigation

While digital energy systems significantly improve efficiency, safety must remain a top priority. Traditionally, medium and low-voltage systems are managed separately, creating operational risks. Seamless integration, combined with configurable control options—including remote switching with strict access controls—is essential to mitigate hazards. Achieving this balance between automation and safety safeguards is especially important in markets with stringent safety standards.

Positioning Africa’s mineral sector for a sustainable future

Africa’s position as a key supplier of materials for clean energy technology puts it at the forefront of the global sustainability movement. To meet rising demand and maintain industry standards, the continent must adopt cutting-edge technological solutions that foster efficiency, safety, and environmental responsibility.

Schneider Electric’s portfolio offers a clear pathway for African mining companies. Embracing digital energy management, predictive maintenance, and microgrid strategies will not only boost productivity but also reduce environmental impact and safeguard worker safety. 

Africa’s mineral wealth, combined with digital innovation, holds immense potential for a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient mining industry. As the continent prepares to meet the rapidly evolving global energy landscape, adopting these advanced solutions will be crucial for unlocking its full potential—driving economic growth while preserving the environment and communities for future generations.