Mintek and NRF collaborate to support emerging scientists and innovation

“South Africa has always been blessed with incredible mineral wealth. But in the 21st century, that wealth cannot be measured only by what lies beneath the ground; it will also be measured by the human capital we develop to determine what to do with it.” These were the words of Ms Pontsho Maruping, Acting Deputy CEO of the NRF, at the 3^rd Annual Mintek Science Convention of Innovators (SCi). The Convention, held at Mintek’s Randburg campus on 2 October 2026, was organised under the theme “The Next Frontier: Emerging Scientists Driving Change”.

Hosted by Mintek in partnership with the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), the symposium brought together researchers, emerging scientists, innovators, students, industry practitioners and other stakeholders to exchange ideas and explore solutions to challenges facing the minerals and metallurgical sector—and society more broadly. The theme underscored the vital role of emerging scientists in shaping South Africa’s research and innovation landscape.

Addressing delegates, Ms Marupingcalled for a “stronger, more connected science ecosystem in which established leaders in industry and academia can pass the baton to the next generation of scientists”. She noted that the future would increasingly be shaped by the skills, knowledge, technologies and capabilities developed to harness resources and create greater value. Beneficiation and innovation are therefore critical: moving beyond extraction towards higher-value products and technologies requires skilled people, rigorous research and strong partnerships that connect scientific knowledge with real-world challenges.

In his opening remarks, Dr Jones Papo, Mintek’s Group Executive for Mining Materials and Automation, reinforced this call for a more connected science ecosystem. Speaking on behalf of Mintek CEO Dr Molefi Motuku, he emphasised the importance of creating an environment in which emerging researchers can receive training, engage with established scientists and industry, connect with international partners and build meaningful collaborations. “The emerging scientists in this room will play an important role in shaping how we respond to those opportunities. But they cannot do it alone.”

For the NRF, Mintek-SCi 2026 offered an opportunity to put its partnership with Mintek, formalised in 2025, into action. The agreement established a framework for advancing mining research through human capital and skills development, industry–academia partnerships, technology transfer and commercialisation.

Maruping emphasised that the value of the memorandum of understanding lies in the collaboration and impact it enables. It gives emerging researchers access to infrastructure and industry expertise, supports cross-disciplinary work and encourages research that addresses real-world challenges.

This collaboration is especially important as the minerals sector responds to challenges and opportunities in critical minerals, advanced technologies, mining transformation, sustainability and the circular economy. It also reinforces the need to develop scientists who can not only conduct excellent research but also translate their knowledge into practical technologies, applications and solutions.

The symposium demonstrated that progress in South Africa’s mineral economy depends on its people. Cross-institutional and interdisciplinary collaboration can generate new ideas, strengthen research capabilities and expand the pipeline of skilled talent available to industry. Mintek-SCi 2026 also featured a Roundtable on Disruptive Research and a Graduate Hackathon, which gave higher education learners an opportunity to collaborate, apply their knowledge and develop innovative solutions to real-world operational challenges. Together, these initiatives demonstrated the value of bringing emerging scientists together to address industry needs and contribute to the future of South Africa’s minerals sector.

As South Africa works to build a more productive, competitive, sustainable and inclusive economy, realising the full potential of its mineral resources will depend on developing the expertise and innovation capabilities needed to transform them. Partnerships such as the one between Mintek and the NRF are essential to equipping emerging scientists to lead that transformation.