Industrial automation and digital transformation company Rockwell Automation has announced a new collaboration with Mimosa mine and Mine Elect to support the mine’s ongoing modernisation programme.

Mimosa mine, a platinum group metals (PGMs) and base metals operation located in the Midlands province of Zimbabwe, is undertaking a multiyear digital migration initiative aimed at modernising its operations and improving the resilience of its industrial infrastructure.

As part of this journey, the mine recently upgraded its operational technology (OT) network and sought support for secure connectivity, cybersecurity risk management and long term digital sustainability.

Through the project, Mimosa mine is expected to benefit from improved visibility across its operational networks, stronger safeguards for critical systems and a more resilient digital foundation to support reliable and efficient mining operations over time.

The scope of work focused on strengthening network architecture, improving security segmentation and establishing more secure mechanisms for system access, data transfer, monitoring and recovery.

“This project reflects a growing focus across the mining sector on operational resilience and cyber-risk management as digital technologies become more deeply embedded in day-to-day operations.

“By working closely with Mimosa mine and our local partner, we were able to align technology, governance and skills to support the mine’s broader modernisation objectives while addressing the realities of an operational mining environment,” Rockwell Automation English speaking Africa country director Rodrick Naidoo explains.

A key element of the collaboration is Rockwell Automation’s long-standing partnership with Mine Elect, a Zimbabwe-based Rockwell Automation specialty distributor with deep experience supporting the mining and industrial sectors locally, the company highlights.

Mine Elect provided local engineering, implementation and on-site support, helping to connect global capabilities with in-country execution.

“We embarked on this digital transformation journey more than three years ago with the upgrade of key OT infrastructure, which included the migration of Mimosa’s legacy OT networks to Ethernet/Internet Protocol,” Mine Elect MD Dr Blessing Mahomva informs.

“Our role during this critical phase was to ensure the project was delivered in a way that was practical, sustainable and aligned with Mimosa’s operational priorities. This collaboration brought together global industrial expertise and local knowledge to support a mining operation that is actively investing in its digital future,” he adds.

Delivering industrial digital and cybersecurity initiatives in mining environments presented unique challenges. Mining operations combine legacy systems, harsh physical conditions, safety critical processes and limited downtime windows, which places constraints on how modern technologies can be deployed.

In addition, the growing convergence of operational technology and information systems increases exposure to cyber risk, requiring careful design, sequencing and validation to avoid operational disruption, Rockwell Automation points out.

“This project supports our broader digital migration journey by strengthening the resilience and security of our operational systems. Having partners who understand mining operations, the local context and the importance of secure, reliable infrastructure has been critical as we continue to modernise the way we operate,” Mimosa Mining Company technical services head Lloyd Shamu says.