Digital payments for overtime, the meeting of production targets and as safety incentives are transforming the way in which mining companies reward and engage employees, improving efficiency and miners’ approach to safety, says fintech company Adumo Payouts operations head Palesa Morebodi.

The company’s digital platform is providing a faster, more reliable way for mining operations to process incentive payments and bonuses.

“When mineworkers understand that meeting safety targets directly translates into instant payouts, they become more conscious of how their actions affect safety performance. Data shows a reduction in fatalities and incidents where these incentives are used effectively.”

This immediacy also enhances employee morale and focus, because mineworkers know they will be paid instantly once they reach their targets. “It improves engagement and motivation on site.”

Speedy onboarding and processing of payments instantaneously results in employees no longer having to wait for the next payroll cycle or even months to receive their production or safety incentives, adds Morebodi.

Adumo Payouts’ platform is in use at more than 14 mining operations across South Africa.

While company policies limit public disclosure, Morebodi confirms that diversified miner Exxaro has published a White Paper detailing the positive impact of the system.

“At Exxaro, our Payouts solution helped improve safety by incentivising better practices and reducing fatalities. We saw a clear link between engaged employees, faster payouts and fewer safety incidents,” says Morebodi.

Traditional payroll systems in mining, while effective for salaries, can be less responsive in terms of incentive-based payments, she explains, adding that mineworkers often work long hours to meet demanding production targets, especially in sectors such as iron-ore, where logistical challenges can affect output.

“Having to wait 30 days to see the result of their hard work can reduce engagement. Our instant payment solution removes that frustration and supports a safer mining environment,” says Morebodi.

Financial inclusion is another critical benefit of the Adumo Payouts solution, particularly for mineworkers living in remote or underbanked areas. Bringing easy and convenient non-cash payment options to mineworkers means improved financial access and safety, she notes.

“Our Payouts card solution is void of debit orders and cannot be garnished. This gives mineworkers a way to save, budget and work towards their financial goals without the strain of automatic deductions,” she notes.

Given the sensitivity of financial data and the often-limited connectivity in mining areas, the company has designed its system with strong data-protection measures.

“We are fully compliant with [the] Financial Intelligence Centre Act and Protection of Personal Information Act. Employee data is masked within our systems, and access is controlled through secure credentials and one-time passwords.”

The company’s mobile app and online portal are zero-rated, consequently enabling mineworkers to access their accounts, even without data connectivity.

“Our platform combines accessibility with strong security layers, ensuring [that mineworkers] can manage their money safely and easily,” adds Morebodi.

Digital Payments

Digital payments also play an increasing role in reducing fraud and promoting transparency across the mining value chain, says Morebodi.

“Every transaction through our system is authenticated with an added layer of security, such as 3D Secure and one-time password verification. That ensures [that] payments are traceable and protected, reducing the chances of unauthorised use or data leaks,” she adds.

This transparency builds trust between workers and management while improving overall financial accountability in mining operations, states Morebodi.

She also notes that, beyond immediate payroll benefits, the platform also supports broader community participation in local economies, as many of the mineworkers using Adumo Payouts’ services fall within lower living-standard measures and are part of rural economies.

As digital transformation continues to reshape African mining, Adumo Payouts, a subsidiary of fintech player Lesaka, is working to make the transition easier for users who may be new to technology.

“Many mineworkers are not yet comfortable using apps or mobile banking. We start them on familiar channels like simple and easy-to-use Unstructured Supplementary Service Data and WhatsApp channels, before gradually introducing more advanced tools like wallets and mobile applications,” explains Morebodi.

This phased approach, helps to build digital literacy and confidence among users.

Adumo aims to enhance its Payouts offering, bringing a wider range of value added and financial services to its customers, offering broader financial wellness solutions and supporting its customers on their financial inclusion journey.