North-West University (NWU) has launched its new School of Mines and Mining Engineering, aiming to turn the province’s mineral wealth into skills, innovation and long-term economic growth.
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The North West is one of the world’s richest regions in minerals, yet its communities remain marked by unemployment and poverty. NWU believes that education focused on mining can help change this by training local people and doing research in the area.
Prof Liezl van Dyk, Executive Dean of NWU’s Faculty of Engineering, said the project aligns with four key priorities.
“We are committed to serving our community and province through high-impact engagement; strengthening our faculties in areas such as minerals beneficiation, environmental and geospatial sciences, and engineering disciplines; contributing to much-needed STEM skills in South Africa; and driving internationalisation through partnerships with universities across the world,” she explained.
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The initiative is already underway. Online postgraduate diplomas in Sustainability and Mining began in 2025, while an undergraduate BSc in Sustainable Mining is due to launch in 2027.
In Rustenburg, at the heart of the platinum belt, NWU researchers are involved in continuing education and industry collaborations. The institution also mentioned that they are planning to have a physical office there by 2026, with an expanded training facility scheduled for 2029.
The university’s long-term vision includes a Rustenburg satellite campus by 2032, offering full professional engineering programmes, including mining engineering. Van Dyk noted this will depend on governance approvals, infrastructure development and a comprehensive business case.
The University said South Africa’s mining industry is advanced and competitive, but many communities still don’t benefit equally. NWU hopes its new School of Mines will help change this by training graduates to not just work in mines, but to improve how they operate.
For the North West, where unemployment remains stubbornly high, that ambition could prove as valuable as the platinum beneath its soil.
Original article from the North-West University website.