Introduction
A leading African mining group operating across multiple sites embarked on a large-scale digital transformation to modernize document management, compliance workflows, and internal collaboration.
While the organization was operationally strong, legacy systems and paper-based processes were limiting efficiency, audit readiness, and visibility across critical business functions.
To support long-term scalability and governance, the organization partnered with Mint Group to deliver an enterprise-grade Microsoft cloud solution aligned to the realities of mining operations.
The Challenge
Before the engagement, the mining group relied heavily on manual and fragmented processes to manage documents, approvals, and compliance activities.
Business-critical information was stored across disconnected systems, while approvals for legal, IT, and operational processes were handled through email threads and physical paperwork.
This lack of a centralized document management system created delays, duplication, and audit risk.
At the site level, legally mandated approvals and compliance documentation often took several days to complete. Retrieving the correct version of a safety procedure or appointment letter depended on individual knowledge rather than governed systems.
These inefficiencies increased operational risk in an industry where safety, traceability, and regulatory compliance are essential.
Why the Client Chose Mint Group
The client sought a Microsoft partner with proven experience delivering digital transformation in complex, regulated environments.
Mint Group stood out through its position as a Microsoft Inner Circle Partner, placing it in the top tier of Microsoft solution providers globally.
Beyond technical capability, Mint Group demonstrated a deep understanding of mining operations and compliance-driven industries. Through discovery workshops and collaborative design sessions, Mint aligned Microsoft technologies to real-world operational challenges rather than forcing standardized solutions.
Previous transformation successes, combined with a strong change management approach, reinforced trust and confidence throughout the engagement.
The Solution
Mint Group delivered a secure, scalable digital workplace built on the Microsoft cloud ecosystem. A centralized document management platform was implemented using Microsoft SharePoint Online, enabling structured document lifecycle management with full version control, audit trails, and governance.
Using Microsoft Power Platform, including Power Apps and Power Automate, Mint digitized critical workflows such as IT access requests, capital expenditure approvals, legal appointments, and change management processes.
Automated routing and approval logic replaced manual handoffs, significantly reducing delays and human error.
A modern Microsoft-based intranet was deployed across multiple sites to improve internal communication, safety awareness, and access to policies and operational information.
Power BI dashboards provided leadership with real-time insights into document status, compliance risks, and workflow performance, supporting proactive governance and data-driven decision-making.
Implementation Journey
The implementation followed a phased, site-specific approach designed to balance rapid value delivery with operational continuity and long-term scalability.
Mint Group conducted in-depth discovery workshops at each operation, engaging stakeholders across compliance, IT, and operations to map existing processes and identify high-risk and high-impact workflows.
These insights informed a prioritized rollout strategy, with initial deployments focused on compliance-critical processes where improved control and visibility would deliver immediate business value.
Change management and user adoption were embedded into the delivery from the outset. Solutions were designed to align closely with day-to-day operational roles, ensuring usability and relevance for teams transitioning from long-standing manual processes.
Hands-on training, role-based enablement, and continuous engagement helped build confidence and ownership, reinforcing adoption while minimizing disruption across sites.
Integrating modern Microsoft cloud solutions with legacy systems and established work practices presented expected challenges. Through iterative refinement, continuous feedback, and close collaboration with site teams, these challenges were addressed pragmatically.
As a result, adoption accelerated steadily, with users independently managing workflows and documentation within months of deployment, ensuring the transformation was both operationally embedded and sustainable.
The Results
The digital transformation delivered measurable improvements in operations and compliance. Approval turnaround times for key workflows were reduced by more than 60 percent, with some processes moving from multiple days to under 24 hours.
Audit preparation time was significantly reduced due to centralized documentation, automated workflows, and complete audit trails.
Document retrieval times dropped from hours to minutes, improving productivity and reducing operational risk. Employee engagement increased as teams gained access to a unified digital platform that supported collaboration, communication, and compliance across sites.
Client Perspective
The digital transformation delivered measurable improvements in operations and compliance. Approval turnaround times for key workflows were reduced by more than 60 percent, with some processes moving from multiple days to under 24 hours.
Audit preparation time was significantly reduced due to centralized documentation, automated workflows, and complete audit trails.
Document retrieval times dropped from hours to minutes, improving productivity and reducing operational risk. Employee engagement increased as teams gained access to a unified digital platform that supported collaboration, communication, and compliance across sites.
Looking Ahead
With a robust Microsoft-based digital foundation in place, the organization continues to work with Mint Group on the next phase of its transformation.
Planned initiatives include advanced business process automation, system integration, and the exploration of AI-driven insights using Microsoft technologies.
The scalable platform enables continuous improvement, supporting operational resilience and regulatory confidence as the organization grows.
