Evaluating the progress of the South African Mining Industry in the transition towards Industry 5.0

Abstract

This thesis investigates the current state of Industry 5.0 adoption within the South African mining sector, focusing on the integration of advanced technologies with human-centric, sustainable, and resilient principles. Driven by the global shift toward Industry 5.0, which emphasises collaboration between humans and machines, the mining sector faces unique challenges, especially given the complex socio-technical landscape of South Africa. This study was motivated by the need to understand the opportunities and challenges associated with adopting Industry 5.0 principles within this critical sector of the South African economy. The research follows a structured, phased qualitative approach that integrates a scoping review with an empirical investigation. The scoping review synthesised key Industry 5.0 components and maturity assessment practices to inform the development of an Industry 5.0 maturity framework. This framework guided the empirical phase, which involved semi-structured interviews with industry stakeholders. Interview responses were thematically coded using a priori categories, quantitised via a four-level maturity scale, and analysed through descriptive and visual methods. The study is grounded in Sociotechnical Systems (STS) Theory, emphasising the interaction between technological systems and human-centred factors in shaping transformation outcomes. Key findings reveal a varied adoption landscape, with higher maturity levels in areas like sustainability but challenges in human-machine collaboration and resiliency. It also identifies a critical gap in digital fluency and change management, which impacts the readiness of the industry to embrace more advanced Industry 5.0 applications. The study's insights indicate that the industry is still largely rooted in an Industry 4.0 mindset. Recommendations highlight the importance of prioritising workforce training, flexible investment strategies, and stronger collaboration between operators and technology partners. The study contributes a tailored Industry 5.0 framework emphasising the integration of human and machine collaboration, resilience-building, sustainable practices and worker, system and customer perspectives. It provides actionable recommendations for policymakers and industry leaders, focusing on workforce upskilling, investment in foundational infrastructure, and fostering a culture of innovation. By addressing these areas, the South African mining industry can position itself as a global leader in sustainable and human-centric mining practices. This research not only bridges the existing knowledge gap but also offers a roadmap for future studies and strategic planning, ensuring the mining sector's alignment with the evolving principles of Industry 5.0. It underscores the critical need for a balanced approach that harmonises technological progress with social and environmental priorities to achieve transformative growth.