South Africa’s mining industry risks increased inequality through the adoption of fourth industrial revolution technologies unless automation is matched by stronger governance and workforce support, according to a review in the International Journal of Mining and Mineral Engineering. The fourth industrial revolution refers to the growing use of digital technologies to improve industrial operations.
The researchers looked at the peer-reviewed research alongside industry and policy reports to distinguish documented effects from speculation. They found that adoption of technologies such as autonomous vehicles, drones, smart sensors, and artificial intelligence (AI) are constrained by high investment costs, a shortage of specialist skills, regulatory uncertainty, and resistance to organisational change.
Digital technology can increase productivity, improve safety, and enable real-time monitoring of equipment and hazards. The review found, however, that documented risks including job displacement among low- and semi-skilled workers, security threats to critical infrastructure, ethical concerns over AI-driven decision-making, digital workplace surveillance, and the exclusion of smaller suppliers unable to meet technology-intensive standards are all ongoing problems in the sector.
The review challenges the received wisdom concerning mining automation. The team suggests that technological change will require updated employment law, stronger oversight of automated systems, investment in worker retraining, and measures to help local businesses integrate into increasingly digital mining supply chains.
Tingini, T. and Githiria, J. (2026) ‘A review of the negative impact of adopting fourth industrial revolution technology in South Africa’s mining industry’, Int. J. Mining and Mineral Engineering, Vol. 17, No. 5, pp.1–28.
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