MEMSA 2026 Innovation for Mining and Excellence Awards
2026-05-21 - 2026-05-22 | IDC Conference Centre, 19 Fredman Drive, Sandton, Gauteng, 2109, South Africa
MEMSA 2026 INNOVATION FOR MINING AND EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Hosted by the Mining Equipment Manufacturers of South Africa (MEMSA), at the Mind Shift Conference the 2026 Innovation for Mining and Excellence Awards, recognised technologies delivering meaningful impact in mining safety, productivity, sustainability and operational performance.
MEMSA noted that award judging placed equal emphasis on innovation and measurable industry impact.
Major Award Winners Included:
Excellence Award: Future Workforce Builders – Bell Equipment South Africa was recognised for its strong culture of innovation, apprenticeship development and digital skills integration. While, Buraaq Mining Services received the SME category award for its artisan training programme and practical technology exposure initiatives.
Excellence Award: Global Game Changer – AZTEC Innovative Mining Solutions received the award for its globally exported gold tailings treatment technology and commitment to fully local manufacturing.
Innovation by an SME – Buraaq Mining Services won for its Mechanised Roof Bolter designed to improve underground safety through intelligent control systems and operator protection.
Innovative Use of Data and AI – Mentormate received the inaugural award for its AI-powered engineering expertise platform tailored to Southern African mining conditions.
Digital Solutions for Mining – SmartOps was recognised for its Bluetooth Low Energy underground tracking and communication system enabling precise underground positioning.
Innovation for an Energy Transition in Mining – Gravitas Minerals won for its Chromex Process, a water-only technology recovering chrome and iron from tailings while reducing energy use and carbon intensity.
Innovation Towards Zero Harm – HydroPower Systems won for its water-powered remote drilling system enabling safer underground ore pass development.
Innovation in Mineral Processing – AZTEC Innovative Mining Solutions received the award for its patented reactor technology recovering additional gold from leach tailings.
Innovation in Surface Mining – Bell Equipment South Africa won for its advanced Motor Grader platform featuring AI-ready architecture and telematics integration.
Innovation in Soft Rock Mining – SmartOps was recognised for its Cutting Sequence Monitor system using Bluetooth Low Energy mesh networking.
Innovation in Hard Rock Mining (Navin Singh Award) – Wekaba Engineering received the award for its patented Grout Flower Seal Solution, improving anchor installation efficiency, safety and grout retention.
As the conference concluded, delegates expressed strong confidence in South Africa’s engineering capability and mining innovation potential despite growing economic and operational pressures.
The MEMSA #MindShift Conference reinforced that the future of mining will belong to organisations capable of combining technology, industrial agility and human adaptability to solve real operational challenges.

MEMSA Mind Shift Conference 2026
2026-05-21 08:00 - 2026-05-22 18:00 (Africa/Johannesburg) | IDC Conference Centre, 19 Fredman Drive, Sandton, Gauteng, 2109, South Africa
MEMSA #MindShift 2026: Innovation, AI and Industrial Resilience in Focus

South Africa’s mining equipment manufacturing sector marked a major milestone at the 2026 MEMSA #MindShift Conference, celebrating ten years of industry collaboration while tackling some of mining’s biggest technological and industrial shifts.
Hosted by the Mining Equipment Manufacturers of South Africa (MEMSA), the conference brought together mining leaders, OEMs, engineers, researchers and policymakers to explore how South African manufacturers can remain globally competitive in an increasingly digital, automated and sustainability-driven mining environment.
A strong message emerged throughout the event: the future of mining will depend as much on mindset, collaboration and innovation ecosystems as it will on machinery itself.
Opening the conference, MEMSA Chair Matimba Mahange urged industry players to “hunt in packs” if South Africa is to innovate and compete globally. That collaborative spirit became one of the defining themes of the conference.
Even discussions around AI carried a uniquely African perspective, with the MC referring to AI not only as “Artificial Intelligence,” but also “African Intelligence” — reinforcing the idea that Africa’s mining future must be shaped by African solutions, African innovation and African ownership.
Innovation no longer optional
The 2026 #MindShift Conference made it clear that innovation is no longer optional for mining OEMs.
South African manufacturers are facing mounting pressure from global competition, changing customer expectations, energy transition demands and increasingly digital mining environments. Yet local companies are also proving that technologies developed within South Africa’s mining ecosystem can compete successfully on the global stage.
This was reflected strongly in the Innovation for Mining and Excellence Awards, which recognised technologies delivering measurable impact in productivity, safety, sustainability and operational performance.
One of the standout examples was SAMPEC member AZTEC Innovative Mining Solutions, which received both the Excellence Award: Global Game Changer and the Innovation in Mineral Processing Award.
Its patented reactor technology enables the recovery of additional gold from as-arising leach tailings through a novel counter-current flow design. Judges described the solution as a globally unique and disruptive technology.
Importantly, AZTEC exported 100% of its production output during 2023, 2024 and 2025 before securing its first South African order in 2026, a powerful indicator of the global competitiveness of South African mining innovation.
Digital mining moves beyond digitisation
Another dominant theme at #MindShift was the integration of digital capability directly into mining equipment and operations.
Bell Equipment South Africa, winner of the Innovation in Surface Mining category, showcased this through its advanced Motor Grader platform featuring telematics, AI-ready architecture and automation integration capability.
The shift reflects how mining customers increasingly expect more than mechanical performance alone — demanding operational visibility, predictive maintenance and intelligent systems integration.
Digital innovation was also recognised through awards presented to SmartOps and Mentormate.
SmartOps received the Digital Solutions for Mining Award for its Bluetooth Low Energy mesh networking system enabling highly accurate underground positioning and real-time communication. The same technology also earned the company the Innovation in Soft Rock Mining Award.
Mentormate, winner of the inaugural Innovative Use of Data and AI category, demonstrated how AI is beginning to reshape technical decision-making in mining. Its AI-powered engineering expertise platform provides real-time technical guidance using Southern African mining legislation, standards and operational case studies.
The conference repeatedly reinforced that mining companies are moving beyond simple digitisation toward practical applied intelligence.
AI, mindset and African ownership
Discussions around AI extended well beyond technology itself.
Delegates reflected on how the mining industry may be entering the first period in history where white-collar professionals have developed technologies capable of disrupting white-collar jobs at scale.
Yet speakers consistently stressed that the future will belong to organisations capable of adapting rather than resisting technological change.
One of the strongest reflections shared during the conference was:
“A mine is never limited by the depth of its ore body first. It is limited by the depth of its thinking.”
Another recurring theme focused on the importance of mindset in shaping industrial competitiveness:
“What we feed our minds today becomes the infrastructure of tomorrow.”
Julie Courtnage, Executive Director of the Mandela Mining Precinct, noted during discussions that “no country is AI-native,” reinforcing the idea that every country is navigating the same technological transition and that South Africa has an opportunity to shape globally relevant mining technologies rather than simply importing them.
Ian MacKay, Associate Director at PwC, highlighted another strategic advantage, stressing the need “to mine the valuable data collected over centuries of mining in the country.” Delegates noted that South Africa’s extensive mining history provides enormous operational and geological datasets that could become highly valuable in future AI-driven exploration, predictive maintenance and operational optimisation systems.
At the same time, caution was raised around technology adoption without capability development. Glen Nwaila, Director of the African Research Centre for Ore System Science (CORES) at the University of Johannesburg, noted:
“Simply giving people new technology can create dependency rather than efficiency.”
He emphasised that technology alone does not improve productivity unless supported by skills, systems, understanding and ownership.
Challenges facing OEMs
While the conference celebrated innovation, it also provided a realistic assessment of the challenges facing South African OEMs.
Infrastructure instability, energy constraints, logistics inefficiencies and rising operating costs continue to affect manufacturing competitiveness. Local manufacturers are also competing against multinational OEMs with far greater scale and access to capital.
Skills shortages remain another major concern as mining technologies become more advanced and increasingly require expertise across engineering, automation, software integration and intelligent systems.
This challenge formed part of the rationale behind the Excellence Award: Future Workforce Builders category. Bell Equipment South Africa was recognised for supporting 278 apprentices while integrating digital skills into artisan training programmes.
Buraaq Mining Services, winner of both the SME Future Workforce Builders Award and the Innovation by an SME category, was recognised for its growing artisan training programme and strong culture of continuous learning.
Growth and export opportunities
Despite these pressures, the overall tone of the conference remained optimistic regarding the future of South African mining manufacturing.
Delegates repeatedly pointed to growing global demand for safer, smarter and lower-emission mining technologies as a major opportunity for local OEMs.
HydroPower Systems, winner of the Innovation Towards Zero Harm category, demonstrated this through its water-powered remote drilling system enabling safer underground ore pass development.
Wekaba Engineering’s patented Grout Flower Seal Solution, winner of the Innovation in Hard Rock Mining category, illustrated how highly practical South African innovations can achieve meaningful industry adoption, with more than 1.3-million units already sold.
Meanwhile, Gravitas Minerals, winner of the Innovation for an Energy Transition in Mining category, showcased how sustainability-focused technologies developed locally may find increasing relevance internationally as mining companies pursue decarbonisation and tailings reduction strategies.
As MEMSA celebrated its tenth anniversary, the #MindShift Conference reinforced one clear message: South Africa’s mining manufacturing sector possesses the engineering capability, operational experience and innovative capacity to compete globally.
The challenge now lies in scaling these innovations, strengthening industrial ecosystems and ensuring African mining technologies continue shaping the future of mining — locally and internationally.
As MEMSA deputy-chair Dr Lynette Magasa concluded:
“South Africa’s next mining chapter will be shaped by ideas, courage, collaboration and people willing to build.”

Read more in the Creamer Media Mining Weekly Article
See all the Event Photos

Panel 1: Mining the Future: Is Africa Ready for the AI Revolution Underground?
Moderator: Mr. Mahene Patrice Benzane , CEO Smartops Solutions
Panel: Mr. Phillip Vilakazi, President, NUM I Ms. Julie Courtnage, Executive Director, Mandela Mining Precinct I Mr. Fleckson Magweregwede, Research/Centre of Excellence Manager MHSC I Mr. Avhurengwi Nengovhela, CEO Coaltech I Mr. Setuame Maimele, Economist Sustainable Growth TIPS
Panel 2. Smart Mines, Stronger Value Chains: AI & IoT in Action
Moderator: Mr. Zenzo Nkomo – CEO Lepharo
Panel: Dr. Sihesenkosi Nhleko, Academic Representative NWU I Dionne Kerr Malherbe, Chief Executive Officer Siyakha Consulting I Mr. Louw Steyn, Patent Attorney & Partner Spoor & Fisher I Mr Mike Teke, Group CEO Seriti Resources Holdings & FutureCoal Chairman I Ms. Bongi Ntsoelengoe, Executive Manager, Mining Cluster Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) I Prof. Glen Nwaila, Director African Research Centre for Ore System Science (CORES)
Fuel for Thought – Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA) Mind Shift Networking Lunch
Panel 3. Innovation or Margin? Making Sustainability Pay in Mining
Moderator: Ms. Portia Dube – Head Business Development ECIC
Panel: Mr Ahmed Kader, Managing Director CrystalForge I Mr Sipho Marala, Group Executive Trade, Investment & Regulatory Enablement GGDA I Mr. Gary Lane, President SAIMM I Prof. Ashan Mahboob, Head of the Sibanye-Stillwater Digital Mining Laboratory (DigiMine) University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) School of Mining Engineering, Wits Mining Institute
CSIR Fireside Chat ‘Innovation is not a game for one’
An Innovation Conversation, moderated by Mr. Brian Ncube, Senior Policy Analyst Minerals Council South Africa, the panel consists of Mr. Ian MacKay, PwC Smart Mining, Dr. Luyolo Mabhali, Executive Cluster Manager: Future Production Manufacturing, Ms. Zodwa Mashinini, Senior Manager: Learning Programmes – Strategic Projects Mining Qualifications Authority
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Day 2 – 22 May 2026
A presentation by Ms. Caroline Shirindza, Executive Head Coal Exxaro

MEMSA Annual Golf Day 2026
2026-10-13 09:00 - 21:00 | Serengeti Golf Estate, Serengeti Golf Estate, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 1642, South Africa
Driving Connections. Building Industry. Celebrating 10 Years of MEMSA.
MEMSA is proud to host the 2026 MEMSA Golf Day on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, at the prestigious Serengeti Golf Estate, bringing together leaders from across South Africa’s mining equipment manufacturing and mining industries for a day of networking, competition, and collaboration.
For more information and to ENTER
The event forms part of MEMSA’s 10th Anniversary celebrations, marking a decade of collaboration, innovation, and industry development since the cluster’s establishment in 2016. Over the past ten years, MEMSA has become a leading voice for South Africa’s mining equipment manufacturing sector, championing localisation, export growth, skills development, and industry competitiveness.
Since its inaugural Golf Day in 2021, the event has grown into one of the most anticipated fixtures on the mining equipment manufacturing calendar. More than just a day on the fairway, it provides a unique platform for OEMs, suppliers, mining houses, and industry stakeholders to strengthen relationships, forge new connections, and celebrate the partnerships that drive the sector forward.
This year marks an exciting new chapter as the event moves to Serengeti Golf Estate. The decision reflects the geographic footprint of many MEMSA member companies, improving accessibility for participants while introducing a fresh venue experience. Renowned as one of South Africa’s premier golf destinations, Serengeti offers the ideal setting for a world-class event that combines business networking with friendly competition.
Recognising that not everyone is a golfer, MEMSA is also introducing an Americano Padel Tournament, providing an exciting alternative for participants who prefer to network off the golf course. The addition of padel creates another opportunity for members, sponsors, clients, and industry partners to connect, compete, and enjoy the day in a fun and inclusive environment.
Whether competing for honours on the golf course, taking part in the padel tournament, entertaining clients, or engaging with industry peers, participants can look forward to a memorable day that celebrates not only the strength of South Africa’s mining equipment manufacturing sector, but also a decade of MEMSA’s contribution to building a more connected, innovative, and globally competitive industry.
Join us as we celebrate 10 years of MEMSA, strengthen existing relationships, build new partnerships, and continue driving connections that create lasting value for the industry.
