Mining the Future: AI, Connected Operations and Digital Transformation

15 September 2026 | 09:00 - 13:00 | 4Sight @ Fourways

Join 4Sight on Tuesday, 15 September for Mining the Future: AI, Connected Operations & Digital Transformation.

Join us on Tuesday, 15 September for Mining the Future: AI, Connected Operations & Digital Transformation — a half-day executive session with guest speaker Glenn Kerkhoff, Global Industry Principal for Mining, Metals & Minerals at AVEVA. You'll see what leading mines worldwide are doing differently, and leave with a practical view of how to turn your operational data into decisions you can trust.

Programme

6 sessions covering industrial AI, connected operations and the digital mine.

08:45 – 09:00
15 min

Welcome & Opening Remarks

Wilhelm SwartWilhelm SwartChief OT Officer, Operational Technologies, 4Sight
Tertius ZitzkeTertius ZitzkeGroup CEO, 4Sight

A short welcome and framing of the morning ahead. From a global perspective, to trusted data, to a connected ecosystem, to a digital thread across the full mine lifecycle, to energy intelligence that cuts cost and carbon. By lunch, every delegate should be able to see exactly where their own operation fits.

09:00 – 10:00
60 min

Opening Keynote – Mining, Minerals & Metals Open Mic: Global Mining Trends, Customer Success Stories and the Future of Digital Mining

Guest Speaker
Glenn KerkhoffGlenn KerkhoffGlobal Industry Principal, Mining, Metals & Minerals, AVEVA
Cornu PeroldCornu PeroldIndustrial Digital Transformation Specialist, AVEVA

Drawing on lessons from leading mining operations around the world, Glenn shares practical insights into digital transformation, AI adoption, operational excellence, and where the global mining industry is heading. The session will be interactive, allowing attendees to ask questions and discuss real-world customer experiences.

10:00 – 10:45
45 min

AI Readiness Starts with Data – From Data to Decisions

Charl MaraisCharl MaraisOperational Technologies Divisional Lead, 4Sight
Ruan SmallRuan SmallMES & DT Engineer, 4Sight

Building the foundations for Industrial AI through trusted operational data, connected information, contextualisation and advanced analytics. Topics include AI readiness, industrial data quality, machine learning, copilots, and turning operational data into better business decisions.

10:45 – 11:15
30 min

Networking Tea Break

11:15 – 11:50
35 min

The Connected Digital Ecosystem – CONNECT, Advanced Analytics & Machine Learning: Connecting the Mining Value Chain Smarter, Safer and More Sustainably

Chris-Marie van WykChris-Marie van WykMES & DT Engineer, 4Sight
Uvarl LalaUvarl LalaAPM Engineer, 4Sight
Vanessa RufoVanessa RufoAPM Engineer, 4Sight

How a modern industrial data ecosystem connects mine planning, processing plants, maintenance, engineering, logistics and enterprise systems into a single digital platform. Discussion includes CONNECT, advanced analytics, machine learning, enterprise AI, Microsoft Fabric integration, and collaboration across the mining value chain.

11:50 – 12:25
35 min

Digital Twins Across the Mine Lifecycle – Unified Engineering, Unified Namespace, Information Management & Digital Twins

Panel Discussion
Handre DreyerHandre DreyerDirector, Operational Technologies Simulation, 4Sight
Koos du ToitKoos du ToitAPM BU Lead, 4Sight
Charl MaraisCharl MaraisOperational Technologies Divisional Lead, 4Sight

Demonstrates how engineering information, operational technology, industrial data and digital twins combine into a single digital thread across the complete lifecycle of a modern mine—from design and construction through commissioning, operations, maintenance and continuous optimisation.

12:25 – 13:00
35 min

Energy Intelligence for Competitive Mining – Optimising Energy, Sustainability and Industrial Performance

Christa DowdChrista DowdDigital Energy BU Lead, 4Sight
Wilhelm SwartWilhelm SwartChief OT Officer, Operational Technologies, 4Sight

Covers energy optimisation, electrification, decarbonisation, ESG, industrial intelligence, predictive optimisation, reducing operating costs and improving sustainable mining performance through integrated operational data, AI and real-time operational intelligence.

13:00 – 14:00
60 min

Lunch & Networking

Join us for lunch and continue the conversation with speakers and industry peers.

Agenda is subject to change.

Event Details:
📍 Location:  4Sight @ Fourways, 28 Roos street, Fourways 
📅 Date: 15 September 2026
⏰ Time: 08:30 Registration  | 09:00 - 14:00 

Why attend?

  • Hear a global mining perspective first-hand — Glenn Kerkhoff (AVEVA) on what leading mines worldwide are doing differently, and where transformation programmes typically stall.

  • Understand what AI readiness actually requires — why trusted, contextualised industrial data is the prerequisite for Industrial AI, and how to tell whether your data is ready.

  • See operational silos closed in practice — how CONNECT, advanced analytics and machine learning bring operations, engineering, maintenance and enterprise data into a single view.

  • Follow the digital thread end to end — how Unified Engineering, Unified Namespace and Digital Twins link mine design to daily production and asset performance across the full lifecycle.

  • Turn energy into a margin lever — how Energy Intelligence reduces operating cost, optimises consumption and accelerates decarbonisation targets you already report on.

  • Leave with a sequenced starting point — not a technology wish list, but a view of what to do first, second and third for your operation.

  • Meet the people doing the work — direct access to 4Sight's OT, APM, MES and Digital Energy leads over tea and lunch.

Register Here!