Rockwell Automation (www.RockwellAutomation.com), the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, today announced a new collaboration with Mimosa Mine and Mine Elect to support the mine’s ongoing modernization program in Zimbabwe.
Mimosa Mine, a platinum‑group metals (PGM) and base metals operation located in the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe, is undertaking a multi‑year digital migration initiative aimed at modernizing 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 (https://apo-opa.co/3UxzrqS) 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,” said Rodrick Naidoo, country director for English‑speaking Africa at Rockwell Automation. “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 modernization objectives while addressing the realities of an operational mining environment.”
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. Mine Elect provided local engineering, implementation and onsite 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/IP,” said Dr. Blessing Mahomva, managing director of Mine Elect (https://apo-opa.co/4xstXfB). “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.”
Delivering industrial digital and cybersecurity initiatives in mining environments (https://apo-opa.co/4yj6KwF) presents unique challenges. Mining operations combine legacy systems, harsh physical conditions, safety critical processes and limited downtime windows, all which place 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.
“This project supports our broader digital migration journey by strengthening the resilience and security of our operational systems,” said Lloyd Shamu, head of technical services at Mimosa Mining Company (https://apo-opa.co/4zQv3n5). “Having partners who understand mining operations, the local context and the importance of secure, reliable infrastructure has been critical as we continue to modernize the way we operate.”
