Consultancy Says Digitalisation, Energy Transition To Shape Mining Industry This Year

Shifting global demand and new opportunities for forward-thinking organisations in the mining industry are reshaping the industry this year, says business management consultancy OIM Consulting CEO Arjen de Bruin.

He highlighted in an opinion piece published on January 13 that the move toward renewable energy globally is reshaping the role of minerals, particularly copper, in the energy mix, while advances in technology and logistics are creating both challenges and possibilities.

De Bruin says copper is fast becoming the cornerstone of the “renewable energy revolution” with its unique properties making it indispensable for electrical wiring, electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable-energy grids.

“As governments and businesses worldwide push for decarbonisation, copper demand is skyrocketing. However, current global production levels are insufficient to meet this demand,” he points out.  

De Bruin states that a looming supply gap highlights the urgency for investment in copper exploration and mining.

Africa, particularly Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, holds vast untapped reserves of this critical resource.

Increased focus on these regions will not only support global energy goals but also drive local economic growth. For mining companies, the challenge lies in navigating geopolitical risks and ensuring sustainable practices, while scaling operations, De Bruin states.

While minerals such as copper are increasingly in demand, other minerals such as coal remain relevant in meeting energy needs. De Bruin says the shift to green energy globally is a gradual process, particularly in developing economies, which still need to use coal for baseload energy and industry growth.

For mining companies, De Bruin says, this creates a balancing act of keeping up with coal demand but also exploring renewable-energy opportunities. “Companies that adapt to this changing energy landscape will be better positioned for the future.”

Additionally, with the move toward EVs not having progressed as quickly as anticipated by many across the world, hybrid vehicles have emerged as a key stepping stone in the transition to EVs – which require platinum for catalytic converters.

De Bruin expects demand for, and the price of, platinum to continue growing this year, saying this presents a lucrative opportunity for platinum miners. However, he warns that companies must invest in advanced extraction technologies and focus on optimising their operations to remain competitive.

Moreover, De Bruin emphasises the need for mining companies to continue investing in their own logistics to keep operations running, with continued supply chain issues such as delays at ports and on railways making it difficult for mining companies to move material efficiently.

De Bruin says taking control of logistics reduces reliance on public systems and can save costs, but also requires careful planning and significant investment to stay competitive and handle future challenges.

Meanwhile, De Bruin cites another trend this year as the continued digital transformation. “With technologies such as automation, AI and data analytics becoming integral to operations, these advancements promise greater efficiency, safety and productivity.

“Yet, technology alone is not enough – you need buy-in from the people who will be using and overseeing it,” De Bruin says.  

To this end, OIM Consulting’s Supervisor Development Programme equips supervisors with the skills to manage change and lead effectively.

Through a mix of classroom training and on-the-floor coaching, supervisors learn practical tools such as shift management, planning and effective communication.

“By empowering supervisors, organisations can ensure smoother adoption of technology, improved team performance, and lasting productivity gains. Even the best technology needs the right people to make it work,” De Bruin states.

He says that, with the mining industry being at a turning point and needing to navigate various challenges, companies must effectively try to balance innovation with workforce empowerment.