By Arnoud Dekkers, Head of Business Development – Industrial Projects, DHL Global Forwarding MEA
Mining is a cornerstone of Africa’s economy, driving growth, job creation, and foreign investment. As Africa’s largest economy, South Africa plays a key role in shaping the continent’s resource sector. With abundant natural resources and a projected economic growth rate of 2% in 2025, the country has an opportunity to attract long-term investment.
However, sustained growth requires more than resources – it demands policy stability, strong infrastructure, and efficient supply chains that support global trade.
Strategic partnerships drive growth
To remain competitive, South Africa must strengthen global partnerships with major economies, particularly Saudi Arabia, China, and Gulf nations.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aligns with Africa’s resource-rich markets, as the country seeks to broaden its investments. Today, Gulf nations have invested more than $53 billion into African infrastructure and mining, opening new opportunities for growth.
China’s growing stake in Africa’s mining sector brings not just financial capital, but also crucial infrastructure, from transport networks to processing facilities, enhancing export efficiency.
While capital investment is crucial, strong logistics networks are equally important. Digitally enabled, technology-driven supply chains ensure efficient transport, streamlined exports, and greater resilience in mining operations.
Future-proofing mining logistics through innovation
As mining companies work to reduce carbon emissions, smart logistics will play a critical role in driving efficiency and sustainability. To stay competitive, the industry must embrace technology-driven solutions that reduce environmental impact and optimise operations.
Key advancements shaping the future include:
- Lower-emission transport solutions – Using alternative fuels, electrification, and optimised routing to cut carbon footprints.
- AI-powered route planning – Enhancing efficiency while minimising operational costs and emissions.
- Autonomous haulage systems – Improving safety and productivity in mining operations.
- IoT-driven inventory management – Using smart technology to enhance visibility, reduce waste, and mitigate risks.
- Scope 3 emissions tracking – Improving sustainability accountability for mining firms.
However, technology alone is not enough. A multi-modal transport strategy – integrating road, rail, air, and ocean freight – is essential for ensuring mining supply chains remain resilient, cost-effective, and well-coordinated. This is particularly important across Africa, where mining operations are often based in remote locations that rely on precision logistics and tailored infrastructure planning.
Key logistics priorities for South Africa’s mining sector
To maintain global competitiveness, South Africa must enhance key logistics capabilities that support efficient mining supply chains.
- Seamless transport of heavy equipment, such as excavators, crushers, and haul trucks, to avoid costly delays and downtime.
- Efficient bulk material handling, ensuring that ore, coal, and concentrates move seamlessly across road, rail, conveyor systems, and ocean freight.
- Logistics support for remote mining operations, ensuring on-time delivery of supplies, fuel, spare parts, and workforce mobility.
- Regulatory and safety compliance, particularly when transporting hazardous materials such as chemicals and explosives.
Smarter, technology-driven supply chains also boost visibility and efficiency. Real-time GPS tracking, IoT technology, and blockchain solutions help companies minimise operational risks, improve reliability, and strengthen long-term logistics strategy.
Attracting investment into Africa’s mining sector requires a structured approach, one that fosters policy stability, strengthens global partnerships, and advances logistics innovation to improve efficiency and profitability.
