Meeting challenges of positive disruption

With the African mining industry having witnessed significant transformation in various areas, asset integrity management and industrial solutions company Dickinson Group of Companies (DGC) Africa is actively contributing to positive disruptions in the mining industry.

Aligning with the theme of this year’s Investing in African Mining Indaba – 'Embracing the power of positive disruption: A bold new future for African mining' – DGC Africa chairperson Trevor Dickinson notes the company has adopted the Blue Ocean Strategy, which focuses on exploring untapped markets, rather than competing in saturated ones.

Positive disruptions include the rapid adoption of digital technologies, such as data analytics, the Internet of Things and real-time monitoring systems. The strategy signifies a move towards innovative, less contested market arenas, fostering growth and sustainability in environments that have traditionally been challenging, he adds.

Dickinson says it also symbolises a broader shift in the industry – one that values creativity, sustainability and long-term vision over short-term gains and conventional competition.

“By adopting the Blue Ocean Strategy, the company has transcended traditional competitive paradigms, focusing on the creation of new market spaces and opportunities. It reimagines the African mining landscape, paving the way for a more dynamic, inclusive and prosperous industry.”

He posits that innovation is reshaping the provision of asset reliability solutions and industrial services for operating mines in Africa, with advanced technologies, such as remote sensing and artificial intelligence, making exploration more efficient, cost effective and environment friendly.

“These technologies are empowering mining companies to collect and analyse vast amounts of data, leading to optimised production, reduced downtime and improved safety.”

African governments are also increasingly emphasising local-content development in the mining sector, thereby encouraging mining companies to source goods and services from suppliers in the country where they operate.

This, says Dickinson, helps to stimulate the economies of host countries and create job opportunities in local communities, in addition to promoting skills development and technology transfer.