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Application of fourth industrial technologies: a case of Zimbabwe's mines

Author

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  • Alouis Chilunjika

    (University of Johannesburg, South Africa)

Abstract

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) dispensation has revolutionised mining activities globally. New technologies and automation, among others, have been introduced into the exploration, quarrying, mining and extraction of minerals in underground and open pit mining in developing countries like Zimbabwe. However, some impediments exist to adopting and operationalising 4IR technologies in Zimbabwe's mining sector. In light of this, the study examines the challenges and prospects underpinning the adoption and operationalisation of 4IR technologies in Zimbabwe's mining sector. Due to its qualitative nature, the study was based on a thorough examination of textual materials that were specifically chosen, including books, newspaper articles, government publications, journal articles, and book chapters. The study purposively selected Zimplats Mine, Unki Mine, Murowa Diamonds, Mimosa Mine, Freda Rebecca Mine and Caledonia Mining Group as the units of analysis. The obtained data was examined by applying content and thematic analysis methods. According to the study, various mining companies in Zimbabwe use various 4IR technologies in their respective mining activities, such as automated drilling and loading systems, digital twin technology, Internet of Things (IoT) devices and remote sensing, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven data analytics, automation, machine learning, and cloud computing, at varying degrees and stages. These technologies are crucial in enhancing productivity, efficiency, safety, decision making and cost reduction in Zimbabwe's mining sector. However, the study established that the implementation and adoption of 4IR technologies in Zimbabwe's mining sector needs to be improved because of a lack of capital, the absence of digital infrastructure, resource immobility, and the unavailability of necessary talent and skills, among others. To address the identified challenges, the study recommended that there is a need for the development of 4IR infrastructure, enactment and strengthening of 4IR supporting policy and regulatory frameworks, capacity building and training, collaborations and partnerships, supporting research and development (R&D) initiatives, and awareness campaigns and stakeholder engagement.

Suggested Citation

  • Alouis Chilunjika, 2024. "Application of fourth industrial technologies: a case of Zimbabwe's mines," Insights into Regional Development, VsI Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Center, vol. 6(4), pages 124-140, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:ssi:jouird:v:6:y:2024:i:4:p:124-140
    DOI: 10.70132/a2354787553
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kudakwashe Intauno & Alouis Chilunjika & Leon Poshai, 2024. "Electronic procurement adoption in Zimbabwe's public sector: examining the benefits, shortcomings and the critical success factors," International Journal of Procurement Management, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 20(3), pages 331-349.
    2. Sharon R.T. Chilunjika & Dominique E. Uwizeyimana, 2024. "Blockchain technology for health information management: a case of Zimbabwe," Insights into Regional Development, VsI Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Center, vol. 6(1), pages 59-73, March.
    3. Alouis Chilunjika, 2024. "Creating sustainable public private partnerships through corporate governance in the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)," International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), Center for the Strategic Studies in Business and Finance, vol. 13(1), pages 438-446, January.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • O30 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - General
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • Q50 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - General
    • Q32 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Nonrenewable Resources and Conservation - - - Exhaustible Resources and Economic Development

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