MCM Robotics and Alana Ventures win Future of Mining Award at MMP Showcase 2026
On 2 and 3 November 2026, MCM Robotics joined our new partner Alana Ventures at the Mandela Mining Precinct (MMP) 2nd Biennial Showcase at the CSIR ICC in Pretoria. We put two Unitree industrial quadrupeds, the A2 Pro and the B2, in front of South Africa's mining researchers, engineers and decision-makers, and came home with the Future of Mining Award, First Place.
A new partnership: MCM Robotics and Alana Ventures
Alana Ventures is a Pretoria-based mining business development and strategic partnerships consultancy. It was founded by Jolene van Rensburg, a metallurgical engineer with more than 16 years in mining and mineral processing. Its promise is "Where technical excellence meets commercial confidence." The firm helps mining OEMs, technology suppliers and project owners turn engineering capability into partnerships, pipeline and growth across Africa.
That is a natural fit for us. MCM Robotics brings the hardware, the Unitree platform know-how and local support. Alana Ventures brings deep mining industry relationships and a clear view of where robots can make mines safer and more productive. The MMP Showcase was our first event together, and the stand carried both brands, right down to an A2 Pro dressed in Alana Ventures colours.
About the Mandela Mining Precinct Showcase
The Mandela Mining Precinct is a public-private partnership between the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the Minerals Council South Africa, co-hosted by the Minerals Council and the CSIR. Its job is to revitalise mining research, development and innovation in South Africa, with a focus on safer, more productive and longer-lasting mines.
The 2026 Showcase ran under the theme "Collaborative Innovation for a Future-Ready Mining Sector". Over two days the programme covered:
- Anchor addresses from MMP Executive Director Julie Courtnage, Minerals Council CEO Mzila Mthenjane, CSIR CEO Dr Thulani Dlamini and DSTI DDG Dr Mmboneni Moufhe.
- Live research showcases from the MMP programmes: Advanced Orebody Knowledge, Mechanised Mining Systems, Longevity of Current Mines, Real-Time Information Management Systems and the people-centred SATCAP programme.
- Autonomy and digitalisation, including Level 2 autonomous mining equipment, technology readiness (TRL) assessment and AI knowledge platforms.
- A multi-stakeholder dialogue on what it really takes to collaborate in mining, hosted by Bernard Swanepoel.
In a room full of people working on autonomy, sensing and safety, a walking robot that can go where people shouldn't drew a crowd all day.
Future of Mining Award: First Place
At the close of the Showcase, MCM received the Exhibitors Award: Future of Mining Award, First Place. The certificate recognises "outstanding contribution, dedication and excellence" at the MMP 2nd Biennial Showcase.
Coming a week after Unitree named us New Market Pioneer 2026 in Hangzhou, this award means a lot. It comes from the South African mining community itself, the people who will put these robots to work. Thank you to the Mandela Mining Precinct, the DSTI, the Minerals Council, the CSIR and every visitor who stopped by. And thank you to the Alana Ventures team for a brilliant first event together.
The robots we showcased
We brought two Unitree industrial quadrupeds, each suited to a different kind of mining work.
Why legged robots matter for mining
Wheels and tracks struggle on rubble, scree, stairs and steel walkways. Legs don't. A quadruped can walk a conveyor line, climb into a plant, cross broken ground after a blast or patrol a substation at night. It can carry cameras, gas sensors or thermal payloads, and it does the repetitive or dangerous rounds so people don't have to. With the B2's self-charging station, those patrols can run around the clock.
Robotics for your mine or plant
See the A2 Pro or B2 on your own site.
Together with Alana Ventures, we'll match the right Unitree platform and payload to your inspection, patrol or safety use case, and support your team locally from day one.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Mandela Mining Precinct Showcase?
The MMP Showcase is the Mandela Mining Precinct's biennial event for mining research, development and innovation in South Africa. The 2nd Biennial Showcase took place on 2 and 3 November 2026 at the CSIR ICC in Pretoria, under the theme "Collaborative Innovation for a Future-Ready Mining Sector".
What award did MCM win at the MMP Showcase 2026?
MCM received the Exhibitors Award in the Future of Mining category, First Place, at the MMP 2nd Biennial Showcase.
Who is Alana Ventures?
Alana Ventures is a Pretoria-based mining business development and strategic partnerships consultancy founded by Jolene van Rensburg. It helps mining OEMs, suppliers and project owners grow across Africa, and partners with MCM Robotics to bring Unitree robots to the mining sector.
Which Unitree robots are suited to mining?
The Unitree A2 Pro and B2 are both industrial quadrupeds. The A2 Pro offers autonomous navigation, dual LiDAR and a hot-swap battery. The B2 offers a 40 kg continuous payload, IP67 protection and an optional 3D LiDAR. MCM Robotics is the official Unitree distributor in South Africa. Contact us to discuss your site.