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Electrification

Electrification is the process of replacing technologies and systems powered by fossil fuels or other energy sources with those powered by electricity. In the mining and industrial sectors, electrification involves transitioning from diesel-powered equipment, vehicles and machinery to electric alternatives, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving operational efficiency. The shift encompasses underground and surface mining fleets, processing plants, transportation systems and ancillary infrastructure. Electrification is driven by climate commitments, regulatory pressure, rising diesel costs and advances in battery technology and renewable energy integration. In mining, electric vehicles and equipment offer lower operating costs, reduced ventilation requirements underground, quieter operation and improved worker health and safety. The transition requires substantial capital investment in charging infrastructure, grid connections and equipment replacement, alongside workforce retraining. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind are increasingly paired with electrification projects to decarbonise operations further. Copper demand is expected to rise significantly as electrification expands, given the metal's essential role in electric motors, batteries, charging systems and power distribution networks. Electrification is a central pillar of the global energy transition and industrial decarbonisation strategies across mining, manufacturing, transport and built environments.

Electrification News


Image of a Kanthal Flow Heater Generation 3
Flow heater technology advances electrification of high-temperature processes
30th October 2026

An upgraded flow heater designed for high-temperature industrial electrification is the latest development in electric process-gas heating technology from Kanthal. The Flow Heater Generation 3 is... 


Innomotics Image
Innomotics: Combining 150 Years of Experience with a Startup Mindset
30th October 2026

Although Innomotics is a young company, its technology and expertise are built on more than 150 years of industrial experience. The business became independent through a carve-out announced in 2022... 


The above image depicts the ribbon cutting at the Eaton Electric South Africa launch
Company's warehouse expansion strengthens local presence
30th October 2026

To strengthen its presence and customer support in South Africa, power management company Eaton Electric South Africa has opened its new head office, Solutions Studio, and expanded warehousing... 


the three men sitting in the panel discussion
Digital systems can improve mining efficiencies
30th October 2026 By: Devina Haripersad

Electrification, combined with digitalisation, automation and higher-efficiency equipment, could help mines reduce energy consumption, improve reliability and lower operating costs, technology and... 


An image of ABB South Africa motion business area senior VP Graham Abrahams
Next-generation breaker goes beyond protection
30th October 2026 By: Nadine Ramdass

Following a soft launch of the Emax 3 low-voltage air circuit breaker (ACB) by electrification and automation technology company ABB at the Electra Mining Africa 2026 expo – held at the... 


Siemens image
Accelerating Africa's industrial AI future
29th October 2026

While much of the global conversation around AI focuses on algorithms and computing power, the future of industrial AI in Africa will depend on far more than digital technologies alone. Realising... 


Strengthening rail networks through intelligent low-voltage infrastructure
Strengthening rail networks through intelligent low-voltage infrastructure
21st October 2026

As governments, rail operators and technology providers prepare to meet at the Southern African Railways Association (SARA) Conference from 20 to 23 October, one theme is likely to dominate... 


Emissions from factory
EU eyes COP31 climate deal to accelerate emissions cuts, document shows
12th October 2026 By: Reuters

The European Union (EU) will use next month's COP31 climate summit to push for agreement on a "package" of efforts to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions heating the planet, an internal EU document... 


Image of Schneider Electric software-defined medium voltage switchgear
World-first fully software-defined medium voltage switchgear for AI factories
9th October 2026

Global energy technology company Schneider Electric has unveiled what it says is the world’s first fully software-defined medium voltage (MV) switchgear, which is set to redefine how electrical... 


An image of a YC Diesel engine
Generators support electrical equipment
9th October 2026 By: Nadine Ramdass

As mining operations increasingly electrify fixed and mobile equipment, the role of diesel engines is shifting from driving machinery directly to providing reliable and dispatchable electricity,... 


Rio Tinto lanyards
Founders Factory, Rio Tinto select five latest startups for Mining Tech Accelerator
5th October 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

Startup-focused investor Founders Factory and diversified miner Rio Tinto have revealed the fifth cohort joining their mining-tech accelerator - the global startup programme solving the mining... 


Schneider Electric unveils the world’s first fully Software-Defined Medium Voltage switchgear to accelerate the speed and scalability of AI factories
Schneider Electric unveils the world’s first fully Software-Defined Medium Voltage switchgear to accelerate the speed and scalability of AI factories
1st October 2026

Schneider Electric, a global energy technology leader, today unveiled the world’s first fully Software-Defined Medium Voltage (MV) switchgear, redefining how electrical distribution systems are... 


Why Africa’s net-zero ambition must become operational
Why Africa’s net-zero ambition must become operational
21st September 2026

Africa’s green economy is on the right trajectory, however as the famous quote goes: “Success can be a long and winding road, filled with many obstacles and challenges.” This is certainly the case... 


Schneider Electric Concludes Innovation Summit Middle East and Africa 2026 in Abu Dhabi, Launches New UAE Industrial AI Study
Schneider Electric Concludes Innovation Summit Middle East and Africa 2026 in Abu Dhabi, Launches New UAE Industrial AI Study
18th September 2026

Schneider Electric, a global energy technology leader, today concluded its Innovation Summit Middle East and Africa in Abu Dhabi, bringing together more than 2,500 attendees, including government... 


Building East Africa’s energy skills pipeline requires firm commitment
Building East Africa’s energy skills pipeline requires firm commitment
14th September 2026

By: Ifeanyi Odoh - Country President, Schneider Electric East Africa In a time when the global spotlight is firmly set on Africa, countries have the opportunity to truly accelerate their adoption... 


ABB South Africa local sales and marketing manager Ettienne Delport spoke with Engineering News & Mining Weekly at this year’s Electra Mining event, held in Johannesburg from 7 to 11 September 2026, about some of the challenges the company’s customers face today and how ABB is helping them improve performance.
ABB’s solutions help bridge the gap between engineering, digitalisation
10th September 2026

With a focus on enabling a more sustainable and resource efficient future, global technology leader in electrification and automation ABB connects its engineering and digitalisation expertise to... 


Speaking to Engineering News & Mining Weekly at this year’s Electra Mining Africa event, held in Johannesburg from 7 to 11 September 2026, ABB South Africa electrification commercial leader and ELDS division manager Egon Worthmann spoke about the future of mining and industry in Africa and the role of ABB in shaping it.
ABB’s innovative electrification solutions help drive future of mining, industry in Africa
10th September 2026

As a global technology leader in electrical distribution and management, ABB brings electrification solutions together to accelerate decarbonisation and increase energy efficiency. With its leading... 


Innomotics country director Tim Walwyn spoke with Engineering News & Mining Weekly during the Electra Mining Africa event, held in Johannesburg from September 7 to 11, 2026.
Innomotics showcases integrated technology for more sustainable mining
8th September 2026

As mining companies across Africa seek to improve productivity, energy efficiency and environmental performance, the integration of electrification, automation and digitalisation technologies is... 


Development Finance, Advisory and Research Leaders Join Power Africa Today at AEW 2026
Development Finance, Advisory and Research Leaders Join Power Africa Today at AEW 2026
13th August 2026

The institutional architecture around African power investment has grown considerably more sophisticated in recent years, with multilateral lenders, specialized blended finance vehicles, global law... 


Panguna copper mine
Lloyds Metals allowed to ready restart works for 40-year shuttered Papua New Guinea copper mine
12th August 2026 By: Bloomberg

An Indian iron-ore producer was authorized to work toward restarting a giant Papua New Guinea copper mine that’s been closed for almost 40 years and was once a flash point in a brutal civil war.... 


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