On Monday, 21 October, the Final Year LLB class of Extractive Industry Law (EIL 420), taught by the Extractive Industry Law in Africa Unit under the Department of Public Law at the University of Pretoria, visited Canyon Coal Bronkhorstspruit for an experiential learning field trip. The group of students were offered extensive instruction on important facets of mining law, such as mine planning, social labour plans, occupational health and safety, and environmental management. 

The 62 students who attended the tour found the experience to be both educational and meaningful. They stated that this was their first university-level field trip to observe the practical and theoretical components of what they had studied in class. In addition to seeing several portions of the mine and witnessing the blushing, students attended a full presentation that provided practical insights into how the mines deal with various aspects of mining law.

Students benefited greatly from the practical experience, which provided them with a greater understanding of mine operations. The students were accompanied by their lecturer, Dr. Tiisetso Rantlo, who is also the Director of the Extractive Industry in Africa (EILA). Dr. Rantlo appreciated Mr. Dawie Venter, Mine Manager, and his crew for their hospitality and eagerness to share expertise with students. He also complimented Mrs. Nqobile Khanyile, a Compliance and Enforcement official at the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), on overseeing logistics and accompanying students on the field trip. Without her efforts, this trip would not have been possible. 

The experiential learning mine tour illustrates the University of Pretoria, Faculty of Law's dedication to exposing students to learning outside of the classroom, as well as the importance of academia collaborating with industry to foster amicable liaisons and collaboration.