EY Insights_Digital integration in Mining

Digital integration in Mining

_{From isolated technology to intelligent synchronisation}

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EY’s 2026 mining and metals risk analysis shows that digital innovation remains a priority. The sector is increasingly turning to digital to improve throughput and drive productivity. However, the next 12 months will be defined less by new tools and more by the ability to integrate and scale the solutions already deployed. At the same time, leaders recognise that sustainable performance improvements require an integrated operating model that keeps humans at the centre of change.

This is an important point for digital mining programmes. The objective is to ensure reliable execution that supports faster decision‑making, improved coordination across planning and operations, and real‑time visibility to manage risk. In 2026, integration becomes the differentiator that enables digital to deliver value consistently across the portfolio.

Flagging scalability: why local gains are no longer enough

Many mining companies have proven that digital tools can deliver value, but often only at individual sites or within single functions. Without enterprise‑wide integration, organisations face:

Duplicated and disconnected solutions
Inconsistent controls
Fragmented data
Competing standards

These challenges erode trust in digital programmes and make it difficult for leaders to prioritise investment. Scaling is no longer optional; it is what turns digital experimentation into sustainable advantage.

What “good” looks like: insights from global mining leaders

High‑performing digital mining programmes share several characteristics. They prioritise architecture over novelty, building the foundations needed to make digital repeatable, interoperable and trusted across the value chain.

1. Integrated, best‑in‑class technology platforms

Fragmented systems increase complexity and integration costs. A unified, interoperable platform provides a stable foundation for hosting applications, enabling secure connectivity across operations and reducing redundancy.

2. A unified, trusted data backbone

Data fragmentation remains one of the biggest obstacles to scaling digital mining. Reliable performance depends on consistent information across operations, maintenance, supply chain, people and risk. Unified data platforms and strong data stewardship practices ensure that insights generated at site level can support enterprise‑wide decision‑making.

3. Operating discipline and strong sponsorship

Scaling digital requires more than technology. Clear decision rights, accountability structures and consistent performance routines ensure digital tools are adopted, trusted and embedded into daily work. Executive sponsorship is often the deciding factor in whether initiatives scale or stall.

4. Innovation beyond technology

Mining companies are increasingly exploring solutions inspired by other industries, from advanced materials handling to more efficient planning approaches. Digital becomes most effective when paired with broader innovation that improves productivity and sustainability performance.

As global expectations around environmental stewardship and traceability intensify, the ability to generate accurate, consistent and auditable data becomes essential. Digital mining is now a critical enabler of credible reporting and informed decision‑making.

Talent and culture will determine the speed of progress

Even with strong platforms and data, digital transformation cannot succeed without the right capabilities. Skills gaps in digital literacy, analytics and advanced equipment adoption remain significant. Sustainable digital mining requires:

Frontline confidence in tools
Clear data ownership
Accountability for data quality
Consistent adoption routines
Cross‑functional collaboration

When teams trust the information in front of them, scaling becomes easier, and value delivery accelerates.

Remaining locally relevant: the African context

The global themes highlighted in EY’s research apply to Africa but take on added complexity. Infrastructure constraints, variable skill availability, and capital allocation pressures make integration even more important for African mining operations. The strongest regional programmes share three traits:

Unified platforms and interoperable solutions
Trusted, well‑managed data foundations
Business‑led use cases that connect technology to real operational value

When combined with clear accountability and a robust talent pipeline, these elements create digital mining programmes that can scale across assets, countries and jurisdictions.

The outlook for 2026

Over the next 12 months, value creation in digital mining will be driven by:

Disciplined execution
Integrated platforms
Trusted data
Human‑centred capability building

Not by the pursuit of new technologies alone.

Mining organisations that invest in strong digital foundations today will accelerate performance, resilience and competitiveness in 2026 and beyond. With the Africa Mining Indaba approaching, these insights are already shaping the conversations we’re having across the sector.