Ultimately, without a shift in the mining industry towards a modernised industry, the country will fail to profitably mine South Africa’s deep-level, complex ore bodies. This could result in the sterilisation of resources, accelerated and premature mine closure and job losses. To avoid this, the Minerals Council South Africa has set requirements for the industry to progress towards a modernised future. The Department of Mining Engineering supports this vision and plays an active role in the various research focus areas described below. 

• Mechanisation and automation (read more) 
• Mine design (read more) 
• Rock engineering (read more) 
• Rock-breaking and explosives engineering (read more) 
• Management and leadership (read more)