By: DAYA NAIDOO - ACTING EXECUTIVE: COMMERCIALISATION of the Technology Innovation Agency, an entity of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation

Mining has been a cornerstone of South Africa’s economy for over a century, contributing significantly to the GDP. The country is one of the world’s leading producers of minerals, boasting vast reserves of gold, platinum, diamonds, and coal, among others.

As delegates gather in February 2025 for the Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town, the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), an entity of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), is there to showcase our work in supporting innovation across South Africa, particularly in the mining value chain. 

The 2021-2031 Science Technology and Innovation Decadal Plan highlights the modernization of the mining sector as one of its key priorities. This is crucial because mining, along with manufacturing and agriculture, significantly contributes to our GDP, exports, and employment but is currently facing a decline in productivity. As mining is a priority thematic area in the DSI Decadal plan, TIA as an implementing agent, prioritises innovations that will enhance the economic competitiveness of the South African mining sector.

TIA supports technologies to sustainably improve process efficiencies in the extraction and exploitation of natural resources, while supporting efforts to reduce worker exposure to hazards. Over the past decade, TIA has invested approximately R100m in mining technologies across the entire value chain. This investment has supported fifteen projects through various TIA funding instruments and programmes. Some of these projects have even been commercialized globally and are generating royalties for TIA.

Our work also supports innovation in the science, technology, and innovation field that drives and aligns with the ambitions of the National Development Plan 2030. It specifically focuses on three areas to modernize mining: rock cutting and breaking, digitizing mines, and extending their operational lifespan.

As the driving force behind innovation in government policy, TIA will work to position the plan as the fundamental framework for investing in modernizing the mining sector through science, technology, and innovation. TIA is embarking on an Innovation Programme in partnership with the mining industry and other funders. The programme will look at developing and deploying technologies and innovation to address the challenges that the industry is facing and ways to use technology to address them.

TIA plays a crucial role in supporting early-stage innovation, especially within the mining sector, by providing risk funding for emerging technologies. In a sector where operational costs are high, and new technologies often carry significant risk, early-stage funding enables the development of novel solutions that can improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Mining companies typically face challenges like resource depletion, environmental regulations, and the need to improve productivity, making innovation essential for long-term viability. TIA's support helps de-risk the development process, allowing companies to test and refine new technologies before scaling them up, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful adoption. Moreover, it encourages collaboration between research institutions, startups, and established players, driving growth and competitiveness within the sector while addressing key issues like equipment wear, safety, and environmental impact.

At the Mining Indaba, we will not only highlight our financial and non-financial support offerings but also attract other investors to partner with us. We will be showcasing our achievements in supporting mining innovations.

Our work acknowledges the need for support, leveraging, and coordination of existing programs like the SA Mining RDI Strategy and other R&D initiatives. This includes working with original equipment manufacturers for equipment manufacturing and focusing on mineral beneficiation for materials like titanium, aluminium, and steel.

TIA focuses on innovations that enhance the economic competitiveness of South Africa’s mining sector, perfectly aligning with this year's Mining Indaba theme: "Future-proofing African Mining, Today."