Harare, Zimbabwe — The Midlands‑based Mimosa Mine, one of Zimbabwe’s leading platinum‑group metals producers, has embarked on a bold modernization journey in partnership with Rockwell Automation and local distributor Mine Elect. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the mine’s multi‑year digital migration program, designed to strengthen operational resilience and safeguard critical infrastructure against growing cyber risks.  

The initiative focuses on upgrading Mimosa’s operational technology (OT) networks, enhancing secure connectivity, and embedding robust cybersecurity measures into the mine’s daily operations. By improving visibility across its systems and establishing stronger safeguards for data transfer, monitoring, and recovery, the project ensures that Mimosa can operate with greater reliability and efficiency in an increasingly digital mining environment. As Rodrick Naidoo, Rockwell Automation’s country director for English‑speaking Africa, noted, the effort reflects a wider industry shift: mining companies across the continent are recognizing that cyber resilience is now as vital as physical safety.  

A key strength of the project lies in the partnership with Mine Elect, a Zimbabwean engineering specialist with deep experience in mining operations. Mine Elect provided local expertise and onsite support, ensuring that global technologies were adapted to the realities of Zimbabwe’s mining sector. Dr. Blessing Mahomva, managing director of Mine Elect, emphasized that the collaboration was not only about modernization but about sustainability: aligning advanced digital solutions with Mimosa’s operational priorities and long‑term vision. This fusion of global innovation and local knowledge underscores the importance of partnerships that respect African contexts while driving transformation.  

Yet modernization in mining is never straightforward. Harsh physical conditions, legacy systems, and safety‑critical processes mean that downtime is limited and every upgrade must be carefully sequenced. The convergence of OT and IT systems has also heightened exposure to cyber threats, making resilience a non‑negotiable priority. Mimosa’s approach — combining careful design with phased implementation — demonstrates how African mines can embrace digital transformation without compromising operational stability.  

For Zimbabwe, the project carries broader significance. It signals that the country’s mining sector is not content to remain tethered to outdated infrastructure but is actively investing in digital futures that can compete globally. As Lloyd Shamu, head of technical services at Mimosa Mining Company, explained, secure and reliable infrastructure is now central to modernization. The collaboration with Rockwell Automation and Mine Elect is therefore more than a technical upgrade; it is a continental story of resilience, innovation, and partnership.