The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), an entity of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), will participate in Mining Indaba 2026, taking place from 09–12 February 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

Hosted under the theme “Stronger together: Progress through partnerships”, Mining Indaba 2026 provides a strategic platform for TIA to advance collaboration, investment mobilisation and technology uptake in support of mining modernisation.

South Africa remains a globally significant mining jurisdiction, particularly for critical minerals that underpin the Just Transition and net-zero ambitions. As the sector faces declining productivity, rising costs and safety challenges, TIA’s participation will highlight how science, technology and innovation (STI) can deliver practical, scalable and commercially viable solutions that enhance competitiveness and sustainability.

Over the past decade, TIA has invested approximately R100 million in mining and mining-related technologies across the value chain, supporting a portfolio of 15 projects, several of which have been commercialised globally and are generating returns.

Profiling proven mining innovation

While TIA-supported companies will not be exhibiting, the agency will actively promote and profile validated, market-ready technologies through its communications, engagements and thought leadership at the Indaba. These include:

• Smart Sensor Process Advisory Dashboard by Stone Three Digital: A real-time digital solution improving productivity, energy efficiency and safety in mineral processing.
• Blue Cube MQi by Blue Cube: A patented in-line mineral measurement technology enabling real-time process control in flotation plants, supporting product expansion and international market growth.
• cloSURE™ AMD Treatment Technology by Mintek, Thungela, Moss Group and the University of Pretoria: A passive biological solution treating acid mine drainage to legislated limits, enabling safe agricultural water reuse and circular-economy outcomes.
• KNeW™ Process by Trailblazer Technologies: A circular solution converting high-sulphate mine water into potable water and plant nutrition products, validated through pre-commercial trials and attracting international interest.
• CMTI Unmanned Mining Technologies: Remote-operated mining equipment designed to improve safety and unlock previously inaccessible reserves, demonstrating the potential to extend mine life through disruptive innovation.

Collectively, these technologies highlight the role of STI in improving productivity, safety, environmental performance and the long-term sustainability of the mining sector.

TIA participation at Mining Indaba 2026

TIA’s Head for Energy and Natural Resources, Daya Naidoo, will participate in a panel discussion exploring how collaborative partnerships, enabled through South Africa’s science and innovation policy framework and coordinated by the DSTI, are modernising the mining industry and supporting a more competitive and sustainable future.

Session details:

Topic: Harnessing collaborative partnerships to modernise the mining innovation ecosystem
Speaker: Daya Naidoo, Head: Energy & Natural Resources, Technology Innovation Agency
Date: Tuesday, 10 February 2026

Time: 15:50 – 16:50

Venue: Nubian Pyramids Stage, Technology and Innovation Hub (CTICC2 – Ground Floor, Exhibition Hall)

TIA will also exhibit at the DSTI and its entities pavilion, with DSTI serving as the Title Sponsor of the Emerging Tech Showcase, branded as “The Emerging Tech Showcase powered by DSTI”, positioning government-backed innovation at the forefront of the Mining Indaba.

Media opportunities

Members of the media are invited to engage with TIA for:

• Interviews with TIA leadership:

Mr Loyiso Tyira - TIA Board Chairperson

Mr Ismail Abdoola – TIA Acting CEO

Mr Patrick Krappie – Executive: Innovation Enabling

Ms Tandokazi Nquma-Moyo - General Manager: Strategic Partnerships and Stakeholder Relations 

Mr Daya Naidoo - Head: Energy & Natural Resources

• Insights into validated and market-ready mining technologies
• Commentary on the role of STI in modernising the mining industry and supporting a more competitive and sustainable future.