From giant mining equipment to automated industrial systems, Electra Mining Africa 2026 has granted a front-row seat to how technology is reshaping the future of mining.
The mining expo has brought together mining companies, equipment manufacturers, technology providers and industrial suppliers.
A giant leap in off-the-road tyres
Among the many products on display was a giant 49-inch tyre from Ascenso tyres, an Indian company that has partnered with local distributor Royal Tyres.
The all-steel radial off-the-road (R-OTR) tyre, valued at around R200 000, is designed for the enormous machines used in construction, quarrying and large open-pit mining operations.
Tyre distributor Royal Tyres, alongside Ascensor, have launched a dump truck tyre priced around R200K at Electra Mining Africa. @SundayWorldZA pic.twitter.com/vUAo7Derch
— Boitumelo Kgobotlo (@tutukgobotlo) September 10, 2026
READ: South African manufacturing sentiment worsens in June, Absa PMI shows
Global investment backs expansion
The tyre is part of Ascenso’s growing R-OTR range, which now stretches from 25 inches to 49 inches, with larger sizes under development. The expansion into high-performance mining tyres for both surface and underground applications is backed by $100-million investment in all-steel radial tyre manufacturing capabilities at its India facilities.
The investment includes specialised production technology, product development, testing facilities, engineering capabilities and infrastructure for manufacturing giant tyres.
Putting boots on the ground
Yogesh Mahansaria, managing director of Ascenso Tyres, said the company wanted to take the customer-focused approach it had developed in its other markets into mining.
“As we expand further into mining, we are carrying that same philosophy forward by putting field engineers on the ground in every key market so that we can respond to real operating conditions in real time, not after the fact,” he said.
The partnership with Royal Tyres is intended to give Ascenso a local foothold, combining its global engineering and manufacturing capabilities with Royal Tyres’ 87 years of experience in the Southern African market.
Innovations in safety and high-heat protection
While the giant tyre is one of the more striking pieces of equipment at the exhibition, it forms part of a much broader display of innovation.
Personal Protective Equipment suppliers, Eureka Safety showcased the insulated high temperature clothing from Germany that can protect against 1000 degrees of radiant heat. The suit may be used in high heat spaces such as smelters and refineries.
A showcase of insulation suit meant to trap and retain body heat in extremely high temperature spaces at the Electra Mining Africa 2026, hosted at the Johannesburg Expo Centre. @SundayWorldZA pic.twitter.com/7Q49ijviWu
— Boitumelo Kgobotlo (@tutukgobotlo) September 10, 2026
Illuminating hazardous environments
Nordland Lighting, South African manufacturer specialising in industrial, mining and harzardous area explosion-proof lighting, showed off their lighting products.
The luminaires are designed to withstand harsh underground and hazardous environments while meeting strict safety and illuminance standards.
They also use advanced LED, fluorescent, or high-intensity discharge technology. The long lasting fixtures reduce maintenance downtime and capital expenditure in remote underground locations.
- Electra Mining Africa 2026 showcased advancements in mining technology, gathering companies from mining, equipment manufacturing, technology provision, and industrial supply sectors.
- Ascenso Tyres, in partnership with Royal Tyres, introduced a 49-inch all-steel radial off-the-road tyre costing around R200,000, designed for large mining and construction machines.
- Ascenso is investing $100 million in expanding their R-OTR tyre manufacturing in India, focusing on both surface and underground mining applications.
- Eureka Safety displayed insulated high-temperature clothing capable of protecting against 1000 degrees of radiant heat for use in smelters and refineries.
- Nordland Lighting presented explosion-proof lighting products designed for harsh underground and hazardous environments, featuring advanced LED, fluorescent, and high-intensity discharge technologies.
From giant mining equipment to automated industrial systems, Electra
Tyre distributor Royal Tyres, alongside Ascensor, have launched a dump truck tyre priced around R200K at Electra
Africa. @SundayWorldZA pic.twitter.com/vUAo7Derch Mining — Boitumelo Kgobotlo (@tutukgobotlo)
10, 2026 September
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“As we expand further into mining, we are carrying that same philosophy forward by putting field engineers on the ground in every key market so that we can respond to real operating conditions in real time, not after the fact,” he said.
While the giant tyre is one of the more striking pieces of equipment at the exhibition, it forms part of a much broader display of innovation.
Personal Protective Equipment suppliers, Eureka Safety showcased the insulated high temperature clothing from
A showcase of insulation suit meant to trap and retain body heat in extremely high temperature spaces at the Electra
Africa 2026, hosted at the Johannesburg Expo Centre. @SundayWorldZA pic.twitter.com/7Q49ijviWu Mining — Boitumelo Kgobotlo (@tutukgobotlo)
10, 2026 September
