News


Copper 360 School of Mining launches first courses

October 2023 News

The Copper 360 School of Mining debuted its first set of courses in September at its Concordia operation in the Northern Cape. The school launched with seven courses: Basic Surface Geology, Sampling, Ore Body Technician, Mineral Resource Management, Drone Technology, Introduction to Mining Law, and Urban Design for Mining Communities. Thirty students were accepted at its first intake for the series of unaccredited courses.

“The initial course offering will focus on developing practical knowledge for students,” said Copper 360 executive director Quinton Adams, who heads up the firm’s community engagement arm. “Skills development will initially be based on the needs of the company, whereafter a wider net will be cast as the school grows.”

The courses were developed in-house, and the company has sourced experienced geologists and other mining professionals to contribute to and present the material. A further three hundred staff members have enrolled in an extended apprenticeship programme that will be simultaneously rolled out. Personnel will also enjoy access to School of Mining courses.

The Northern Cape, with its mostly untapped natural resources, will be the next mineral province and economic driver of the country; but unemployment is nearly 60% in some areas, and poverty is widespread. Copper, nickel, manganese and other minerals have attracted significant interest, but joblessness remains high. “Structural unemployment poses a substantial challenge in the province, and for its citizens to enjoy the opportunities that are likely to come, education must be at the top of any agenda,” said Adams. “The workforce is there, but it is not employment ready. In anticipation of growth in the resource sector, the School of Mining is in place to bridge this chasm.”

While the school’s first courses are unaccredited but Copper 360 needs-based, accredited courses, together with diploma and degree fields of study, are on the near-term horizon, including an association with the Camborne School of Mines in the United Kingdom. Adams expects the School of Mining to contribute substantially to the nurturing of human capital as the minerals boom takes shape in the province.




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.

Read more...
Justice Malala to talk at exclusive breakfast
News
South Africa’s economic recovery and industrial growth depend on policy reform and business innovation. Few commentators are better placed to explore these challenges than Justice Malala.

Read more...
Beyond the exhibition: AATF 2025 Conference lineup brings exclusive
News
While the Africa Automation Technology Fair (AATF) 2025 exhibition floor will showcase cutting-edge automation solutions, the real game-changing insights will be found within the conference halls.

Read more...
How to claim CPD points
SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council News
SAIMC makes it possible for you to claim CPD points for attending courses and technical meetings, or completing an online quiz on a SA Instrumentation & Control magazine.

Read more...
Festo celebrates its centenary
Festo South Africa News
Creating added customer value through innovation has been the driving force behind the family-owned company from the beginning and remains the key to Festo’s success today. The company’s anniversary is being celebrated with employees, customers and partners worldwide throughout the year.

Read more...
RS Group cements its position as an ESG leader
News
RS Group has announced its inclusion in the prestigious CDP A-list, having improved its CDP rating this year from A- to A for its commitment to climate action, environmental transparency and disclosure

Read more...
ECSA awards full accreditation to IIE degrees
News
The Independent Institute of Education has received full accreditation from ECSA. This is the first private higher education provider in the country to be recognised in this manner by the industry authority.

Read more...
Growing demand for staple foods in Africa drives Bühler’s growth
News
Opportunities in strengthening local supply chains, especially within food processing and agribusiness, will be the main focus for Bühler Southern Africa in 2025.

Read more...
South African students advance to international round of Young Researchers awards
News
Two Masters in Engineering students from Stellenbosch University have advanced to the international round of the 2025 Blue Sky Young Researchers and Innovation competition. Their projects impressed the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa for their originality and relevance to the forestry sector, which plays a key role in producing wood and paper.

Read more...
The ultimate range for design and repair
RS South Africa News
Design and repair are fundamental aspects of any industry. The launch of the new RS PRO Design & Repair range caters to a wide array of industries, including discrete and process manufacturing, energy and utilities, facilities management and intralogistics.

Read more...