South Africa is known to be one of the largest Mining countries in Africa. The mining sector has contribute significantly to the of South Africa.
Mining production in South Africa rose 2.4 percent from a year ago in July 2024, following a downwardly revised 4.1 percent fall in June and below market forecasts of a 4.2 percent increase. It was the largest gain in mining output since June last year
Mining is the extraction of valuable minerals or other geological materials from the Earth, usually from an ore body, lode, vein, seam, reef or placer deposit. These deposits form a mineralized package that is of economic interest to the miner.
Mining Schools In South Africa
Below is the list of Universities and school offering mining courses;
1. University of The Witwatersrand
Wits is located in Johannesburg, making it strategically located for your future career in mining. Currently, it offers a 4 year Mining Degree, Geology Degree and 3 year BSC Construction Study Degree.
2. University Of Johannesburg
UJ prides itself on teaching practical skills for an educated labour workforce. Currently, it offers a Diploma in Mining/Mineral Surveying and Mining Engineering, an MTech in Construction Management, and a BTech in Mineral Resource Management.
3. University of Pretoria Department of Mining Engineering
UP focuses on strategic education tailored to the needs of South Africa’s workforce. Currently offering a 4 year course in Mining Engineering, you will have the tools necessary to join the workforce with confidence.
4. Unisa Department of Electrical And Mining Engineering
5. Chamber of Mines Certificates
Chamber of Mines Certificates hosts a number of courses covering most aspects of mining work, recognized by our member mines. Available at various lengths, these courses will equip you with the necessary theory to join the mining industry.
What minerals are mined in South Africa?
“Although gold, diamonds, platinum and coal are the most well-known among the minerals and metals mined, South Africa also hosts chrome, vanadium, titanium and a number of other lesser minerals.”
How many years does it take to become a mining engineer?
A beginning mining engineer needs a bachelor’s degree in engineering, and a full professional engineer needs a license. Complete a high school diploma including the pre-requisites you’ll need for engineering school. In addition to four years of English, take physics, biology, chemistry and mathematics.
What Does School of Mines mean?
A school of mines (or mining school) is an engineering school, often established in the 18th and 19th centuries, that originally focused on mining engineering and applied science.
Which mine is the biggest in South Africa?
Mponeng gold mine in South Africa is currently the deepest mine in the world. Image courtesy of AngloGold Ashanti. The Driefontein gold mine in the Gauteng Province of South Africa is extended to a depth of 3.4km.
What does mining involve in South Africa?
With South Africa’s economy built on gold and diamond mining, the sector is an important foreign exchange earner, with gold accounting for more than one-third of exports. In 2009, the country’s diamond industry was the fourth largest in the world. South Africa is also a major producer of coal, manganese and chrome.
How much does a mining engineer earn in South Africa?
The average salary for a Mining Engineer is R 25 647 per month in South Africa.
What are 3 personal requirements that mining engineers need?
Required Education Mining engineers need at least a bachelor’s degree to find a job, and many research positions require a master’s degree or doctorate. Some courses that students need to take cover geology, mining operation, mine design, metallurgy and environmental reclamation, among others.