By Letlotlo Lebeko

This vision was underscored when Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), engaged with industry leaders and policymakers at the Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town from 09 to 11 February 2026. Reflecting on the engagement, he emphasised that platforms of this nature serve as catalysts for the kind of strategic networking and collaboration that directly support the NWU School of Mines and Mining Engineering’s broader ambitions to become a key contributor to the future of mining in South Africa and beyond.

The Mining Indaba focused on several themes, including critical minerals, infrastructure and industrialisation, and investment. Prof. Tyobeka highlighted that the topic of critical minerals generated robust discussion, with key questions such as: “What is the definition of a critical mineral?”, “What is the definition of a strategic mineral?” and “What is the difference between the two?” While there was no standard definition of either term, Prof. Tyobeka emphasised that “the consensus was that we were talking about the same thing. These terms mean different things to different people.”

“The USA prioritises its defence systems; therefore, what is a strategic mineral to them will be one used in the manufacturing of weapons and in associated technologies. For South Africa, strategic minerals are those that anchor our economic development — minerals such as platinum, gold and coal, which we can use as ‘bargaining chips’ in trade tariff negotiations, for example. If you look at Europe, what is critical to them is advancing their technology, and they invest heavily in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. In China, strategic minerals are those that sustain development, large-scale industrialisation and advanced manufacturing, and minerals that can advance their geopolitical foothold, where they barter with other countries to strengthen investments and partnerships.”

The Vice-Chancellor indicated that the role of the NWU School of Mines and Mining Engineering would be “to unearth undiscovered gems that are critical minerals in South Africa and break new ground on the different uses of these minerals; therefore making NWU a critical asset for the country’s future economic advancement and positioning us as a key stakeholder in the economic development agenda”.

Regarding the manner in which the NWU would leverage platforms such as the Mining Indaba to build strategic partnerships, attract research funding and drive innovation, Prof. Tyobeka highlighted that, when considering the entire mining industry value chain, partnerships with Mintek and other research bodies such as the Council for Geoscience would advance the discovery of more minerals and make these minerals more attractive to investors. Moreover, the NWU School of Mines’ research capacity would help fill gaps in the resource databases of these research bodies. “The School of Mines will open pathways for multifaceted partnerships, both locally and globally,” added Prof. Tyobeka.

The NWU School of Mines and Mining Engineering is expected to ensure that its academic programmes develop future-ready graduates. Prof. Tyobeka is of the view that the School must demonstrate that the economy can continue to benefit from the mining sector in a sustainable manner. Considering the skills gap that exists in the sector, the workforce needs to be trained in smart mining practices without hindering day-to-day business operations.

“We do not plan to simply produce miners; we plan to develop thought leaders and industry captains. Supporting entities of the NWU, such as the Unit for Continuing Education (UCE) and the Business School, will help address these skills gaps by providing short learning programmes (SLPs) and other related skills development initiatives.”

Looking ahead 10 to 20 years, what legacy does Prof. Tyobeka hope the NWU School of Mines and Mining Engineering will leave for the North West province and for South Africa?

“Firstly, in 10 years, students from the North West province will have the opportunity to study in their home province, be employed there, and contribute to the development and growth of their communities. That, to me, is a legacy. Secondly, the existence of the School of Mines in this significant mining complex of our country — the North West province, in towns such as Rustenburg — will help address the critical issue of mine safety. It will ensure reduced levels of mine-related deaths by developing a highly skilled workforce capable of absorbing smart mining technologies. Lastly, I hope that the NWU School of Mines will serve as a vehicle through which communities receive awareness about responsible and sustainable mining. The School will be at the centre of advocating sustainable mining practices, supporting the revitalisation of mines and mining communities, while simultaneously taking those communities along on the journey.”

It is safe to say that the NWU School of Mines and Mining Engineering is set to become a cornerstone of sustainable mining, innovation and community empowerment in South Africa’s mining future.