A critical investigation into identifying key focus areas for the implementation of blockchain applications in the mining industry

Authors

  • KEATON GEORGE PHILO University of Pretoria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/

Abstract

The value of digital information is ever-increasing as more companies utilize digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to gain deeper insight into their business operations and drive productivity gains. It is therefore important to safeguard and ensure the integrity of digital information exchange. Blockchain technology (BCT) was identified as potentially providing the mining industry with a trusted system for securely exchanging digital value. However, there is little evidence or understanding of how or where BCT can be implemented and what benefits the industry could obtain. This research study provides a fundamental understanding of what the technology is in order to identify the associated capabilities and potential application benefits for the mining industry. From a technology push perspective, blockchain capabilities are used to evaluate how the technology’s value drivers map to the mining industry’s core value chain processes. The study was done to identify potential focus areas within the mining enterprise for further research and development of blockchain applications. This research provides a starting point for decision-makers to assess whether blockchain applications for the mining industry will be worth the investment.

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Author Biography

  • KEATON GEORGE PHILO, University of Pretoria

    Keaton is currently working at the University of Pretoria’s Mining Engineering Department as an Academic Instructor. Keaton graduated in 2017 and also completed is B.Eng(Hon). Degree in Mining Engineering in 2019 and B.Eng(Masters) in 2022. Currently, Keaton is busy with his PhD at the University of Pretoria. He wishes to pursue his research in developing Blockchain application for mining industry

Published

2026-04-15

Issue

Section

Student Edition 2023