Menar’s seventh annual MJT mining literacy programme highlighted the interconnectedness of mining and the development of people.

The company hosted the 2025 edition of the MJT programme on 22-23 October, starting with an informative seminar at Menar House in Sandton on the first day and a visit to Canyon Coal’s Gugulethu Colliery in Davel, Mpumalanga, on the second day.

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MJT brings together students and professionals from various sectors who are interested in acquiring mining literacy skills.

Senior journalist and author Dianne Hawker, who gave a presentation during the seminar, reminded attendees that workers and communities surrounding mining operations are a core aspect of the industry beyond revenues.

“We see in South Africa that mining is a big industry, and it has a significant impact on the workers in the industry and the communities that surround the different mines,” Hawker remarked.

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Hawkers’ comments set the tone for the rest of the discussions, which centred around sustainability, policy, and mining’s indispensable role as a driver of economic growth and the global critical minerals race. Third-year law student at the University of Pretoria, Adelle Jansen, said attending the session helped her to gain a better understanding of the industry.

Jansen, who has always had an interest in mining law, said topics that were covered, such as artisanal and small-scale mining, ESG and banking, are connected to the legal profession. “It’s very important for us as professionals in every sphere to understand what we are actually dealing with,” said Jansen.

Prof. Nikki Wagner from DSI-NRF CIMERA at the University of Johannesburg gave a detailed presentation about South Africa’s geological history. “The more opportunities we get to talk to a wider variety of audiences about geoscience, mining and commodities, the better we can make sure that we are sharing the information with the terminology that is applied and understood,” Wagner said.

Caxton Journalist Lebohang Pita said his highlight was the discussion about artisanal mining and illegal mining, facilitated by Managing Director of Imbokodo Mining Services, Kgothatso Nhlengetwa.

Pita, who works in the Benoni area, in the East Rand, where illegal mining activity is a concern, said the information provided during the session has helped him to use the correct terminology and distinguish artisanal mining from zama-zama mining. “I’m going back home with a wealth of knowledge that will assist me in my work,” he stated.

Innocentia Magodi, Nomsa Mbere, and Francois Sieberhagen from law firm Webber Wentzel were also among the speakers. Director of GCS South Africa, Danielle Kriel, spoke on the role of ESG and sustainability in the coal mining sector.

During the second day of the programme, trainees visited Gugulethu Colliery, where the mine’s General Manager, Jarmi Steyn, and Mine Manager, Corne Vlok, shared a presentation about the inner workings of running a coal mine. Trainees also got an opportunity to view a blasting session at the mine’s Central Pit.