Across the scope of South Africa’s mining environment, both mine dumps and deep-level operations, a new protagonist has emerged in the saga of its storied mining sector. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), more commonly known as drones, are soaring into the narrative, shifting the paradigm of how mining operations unfold across this resource-rich landscape. Early adoption and technological growthAt the turn of the century, the mining industry began flirting with the potential of UAV technology. Harmony in progressThe integration of UAVs is an ongoing symphony of progress and challenge, as South Africa’s mining industry grapples with the dualities of modernisation. In the grand tableau of South African mining, drones are more than mere actors; they are reshaping the very fabric of the industry.

Source: The North Africa Journal November 07, 2023 15:04 UTC