The future of mining is being shaped by more than what’s beneath the ground.
- Wits celebrated 130 years of mining education at its annual Miner’s Day.
- Students explored the future of mining through AI, sustainability and leadership.
- Safety, community and “Never leave a miner behind” defined the day’s message.
Leadership, innovation and community development took centre stage at this year’s Miner’s Day celebration at Wits University.
“This is where we come together and remember how far we have come as the mining industry… I mean the blood and sweat of our ancestors built this City of Gold,” said final-year mining engineering student Kamogelo Mapeka.
Mining students gathered on Friday, July 31, to celebrate the university’s 130-year mining legacy at the annual event organised by the students in the mining engineering society (SMES).
Final-year student Alizwa Thwala said the global energy transition is reshaping the mining industry, with changing demand for minerals forcing engineers to rethink what and how they mine.
“Coal may be going down in demand, but copper is going up,“ he said.
Some students said adapting to these changes requires a broader set of skills than traditional mining roles once demanded.
Katlego Kekae said mining’s multidisciplinary nature prepares graduates for careers beyond production, from research to analysis, while equipping them to solve increasingly complex industry challenges.
Mapeka said artificial intelligence and mechanisation are already changing mining operations by improving safety and productivity. She believes the industry’s greatest transformation goes beyond technology.
“We need philosophers and leaders who think of people,” Mapeka said. She hopes to use her future career to improve education and access to technology in her community, arguing that leadership should be measured by its impact beyond the mine.
That people-first approach was echoed by SMES president Ahluma Mngcushe, who said the industry’s future should prioritise safety above production.
“The right direction is zero harm and safety over productivity because everyone’s lives in the mining industry matter.”
Those values are also reflected in the School of Mining Engineering’s student culture of togetherness.
Third-year student and SMES co-opt member, Seshoka Ramohlale, said the society’s peer-support initiatives reflect its motto of “Never leave a miner behind.” She hopes to one day help struggling students through her own foundation, adding: “There is power in believing in someone. When someone believes in you, you are able to do well.”
FEATURED IMAGE: Mining engineering student holding up a handmade sign written “130 years of excellence”. Photo: Asisipho Mpahleni
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