What key milestones has Geolinks achieved in Southern Africa, where the company is piloting its technology?

We are focusing on continuous monitoring of tailings storage facilities (TSFs). Our FLOWTERRA™ solution images a dam’s overall behavior and complements existing point-based measurements. It strengthens monitoring and enables a more proactive approach to risk management. A full-scale pilot confirmed the solution’s technical feasibility and ability to provide insights into a TSF’s internal behavior. We are now developing processing methods to turn these measurements into indicators that geotechnical engineers can use directly.

We are also preparing to launch our first commercial long-term monitoring service at an active TSF. This will involve calibration against site instrumentation before transitioning to routine monitoring. The aim is to demonstrate measurable operational value and support broader regional deployment.

How does Africa’s growing investment in geological mapping and exploration influence Geolinks’ regional strategy?

Our priority remains South Africa and the wider SADC region. We see strong potential in Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Namibia and Botswana, as well as Ivory Coast, Gabon, Senegal and Guinea. We want to convert current pilots into operational, long-term monitoring services, while strengthening our Southern African presence by engaging mining companies, Engineers of Record, consulting firms, research organizations and technology partners.

Our ambition is to establish passive seismic monitoring as a decision-support tool, beyond simply supplying sensors, and become a leader in this emerging market. FLOWTERRA™ complements active seismic methods with a passive, non-invasive and easily deployable approach, reducing uncertainty before costly campaigns.

We will also develop applications in mineral exploration, groundwater, critical minerals, natural hydrogen and helium.

Where are the main gaps in mine safety and resilience in Africa?

Major mining companies already have robust HSE cultures. Greater focus is needed on data quality and coverage. Measurements of TSFs, slope stability and subsurface fluids often remain localized and periodic, which is insufficient. The main hurdle is adoption. Operators need reliable and measurable field evidence. Pilot projects, early-adopter funding and partnerships are therefore essential to build trust and accelerate deployment.

What are the main challenges facing geophysical technology providers in Africa?

The three main challenges are demonstrating real-world value, integrating technologies without complicating operations, and deploying robust, cost-effective solutions at remote sites. Our monitoring-as-a-service model reduces upfront investment by covering deployment, data management, interpretation and reporting, allowing clients to focus on decision-making. Real-world pilot projects also allow clients to assess our solution using objective data before making long-term commitments, helping them address the challenge of access to financing to fund technology deployments.

What additional support from public authorities or the industry is needed to accelerate the adoption of monitoring solutions?

The industry needs to provide more validation sites. Real-world pilots demonstrate measurable value and build trust. Public authorities can support adoption through geological surveys, innovation programs, collaborative research and public-private partnerships. Solutions must also be developed with end-users. Cooperation among stakeholders involved across the mining value chain is essential to develop useful, safe and sustainable tools.

Credibility is critical. Mining companies must be willing to engage with new technologies, while providers must clearly demonstrate what they offer and its operational value.

Geolinks will be participating at AMW 2026. What are your main objectives for this event, and what messages do you wish to convey to stakeholders in the mining industry?

We aim to meet operators, Engineers of Record, consultants and technology partners, understand their priorities and showcase our Southern African pilot progress. We also want to engage HSE professionals from companies such as Valterra, Impala, Harmony and Gold Fields on safety and environmental challenges. Our message is simple: passive seismic monitoring can add value to current practices by enabling continuous temporal and spatial monitoring. Instead of relying on isolated samples, it can monitor an entire structure.

We aim to build partnerships, with challenges around safety, water, critical minerals and the energy transition requiring collaboration among mining stakeholders. In developing these innovative methods to address these challenges, we position ourselves as a partner of choice.