In an era of automation and smart mining, technology alone cannot guarantee success, warns the Association of Mine Managers of Zimbabwe (AMMZ) President, Abel Makura. Speaking at the AMMZ Annual General Meeting in Bulawayo, Makura stressed the importance of blending innovation with human expertise.
While advancements like real-time monitoring and autonomous machinery enhance efficiency, Makura highlighted the irreplaceable role of skilled miners and engineers in decision-making, problem-solving, and crisis management. He also cautioned against job losses, urging the mining sector to integrate technology in ways that empower workers and sustain local economies.
“Technology can’t build trust or replicate human intuition,” Makura noted, emphasizing that engagement with communities and employees requires empathy and transparency.
The call comes as smart mining continues to revolutionize the sector, combining efficiency with safety and environmental sustainability.
