R40m invested in geoscience research at Wits

The Bushveld Geology and Metallogeny Research Chair was announced at Wits University. The Research Chair, based in the Wits School of Geosciences, will conduct research in geology and metallogeny, foster a new generation of highly qualified industry-based geoscientists, and create awareness about the importance of the Bushveld Complex.

The Research Chair, worth R40m over five years, is supported by African Rainbow Minerals, Dwarsrivier Chrome Mine, Northam Platinum, Rustenburg Platinum, and Sibanye-Stillwater Platinum Mines.

Read more: Wits University professor, Achille Mbembe, named 2024 Holberg Prize Laureate

Professor Rais Latypov, a world leader in the field of mafic-ultramafic layered intrusions, and the incumbent of the Bushveld Geology and Metallogeny Research Chair, explains the importance of the Bushveld Complex to the mining sector, and the South African economy: “The buoyant commodity prices across the globe over the past three years have contributed to a significant re-focus of the South African mining industry on the Bushveld Complex, which holds vast amounts of chromium, platinum group elements and vanadium mineral resources, all of which are required materials of the future.”

The Bushveld Geology and Metallogeny Research Chair plans to:

• Create new knowledge through conducting fundamental and applied research on the geology and metallogeny of the Bushveld Complex, including the physico-chemical processes that produced its metal resources thereby assisting in the current exploration and mining in response to greater demands for these critical elements worldwide,
• Foster a new generation of geoscientists that are home-grown, highly qualified, and industry-based, through intensive postgraduate and postdoctoral training programmes, skills training through CPD-accredited courses, and support for the Bushveld Geological Society of South Africa’s branch activities, including organising lectures, workshops, conferences and field trips for both industry- and university-based geoscientists to update their knowledge and share their research, and
• Create public awareness through hosting scientific knowledge talks and field excursions for the general public, learners, and the media and developing a website to inform, educate and create awareness of projects being undertaken.

Also read: Wits projects earn international acclaim

“This partnership will ensure that exploration and mining of the Bushveld Complex will be based on fundamental science and will promote the professional development of geoscientists in industry as well as new postgraduate students. Five major research themes have been agreed that are of interest to all partnering companies,” said Professor Gillian Drennan, head of the Wits School of Geosciences.

“There is also a strong outreach programme that will inform the public of how important geology and the minerals industry is to the future of our economy, the just transition to a greener economy and a circular economy, and to solving real-world problems such as climate change and the development of a sustainable built environment.”

Related article: Wits opens Phiroshaw Camay Library