Mandela Mining Precinct

25/08/2026

The global push for critical minerals is changing the resource landscape but what does it mean for long-term sustainability?

Our Executive Director, Julie Courtnage, breaks down "the new scramble for resources" in a session hosted by the GE Postgraduate Research Group.

Date: Wednesday, 2 September at 14:00

Place: Honours Room, Geoscience Building (or online via MS Teams)

Teams Access:

ID: 397 453 106 838 90

Passcode: qu6vn2na

Scan the QR code in the graphic to go straight to the meeting. See you there!

03/08/2026

Registrations for the Mandela Mining Precinct Showcase are officially open!

Join us for an exciting day of innovation, collaboration and conversations that are shaping the future of South African mining.

Secure your spot by registering using the link below. We look forward to welcoming you!

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=1cXTL7Ld006YA_iWdZKN9IPTcgQy0RxGqrfUZxcBJtdURDFKVkY5UURVSk0yWUxUSFJHU0lIQjhCUi4u

31/07/2026

Looking beyond the visible infrastructure of critical minerals.

Our Executive Director, Julie Courtnage, took to the stage at the SAIMM Critical Minerals 2026 Conference today, where she delivered her keynote, "The Hidden Infrastructure of Critical Minerals: A Systems Perspective for South Africa."

Julie explored why South Africa's future in the critical minerals economy depends on far more than what's beneath the ground. From research and innovation to skills, partnerships and strong institutions, she highlighted the systems that create lasting value and support a more resilient, competitive mining sector.

It was a valuable opportunity to contribute to the conversation on how collaboration, innovation and shared knowledge can help shape Africa's critical minerals future.

28/07/2026

What does it take to modernise South African mining?

This was one of the key questions explored at the Minerals Council South Africa Mining Modernisation Showcase Event, where our Executive Director, Julie Courtnage, joined industry leaders for the panel discussion, "The Quest for Mining Modernisation in South Africa: The Role of RDI and 4IR." Julie shared how the Mandela Mining Precinct creates a trusted space where government, industry, researchers, organised labour and academia can work together to solve challenges that no single organisation can tackle alone.

Mining modernisation is about more than adopting new technologies. It's about building the partnerships, skills and innovation needed to create a safer, more productive and more sustainable mining industry.

Thank you to the Minerals Council South Africa for bringing together leaders from across the sector to continue this important conversation.

18/07/2026

A Mandela Day Message from Our Executive Director

"Carrying the Mandela name is both a privilege and a responsibility.

Madiba's legacy reminds us that meaningful change begins with courage, resilience and a commitment to serving others. At the Mandela Mining Precinct, we remain committed to shaping a safer, more inclusive and more innovative future for mining.

His belief in collaboration continues to guide us as we work alongside our partners to create lasting impact for people, our industry and our country.

I am grateful to everyone who continues to contribute to this vision. Together, we can build the South Africa we all want to see."

— Executive Director, Mandela Mining Precinct

17/07/2026

We had an absolute time with you. We hope you learnt a lot and looking forward to see this impact of this tour.

The future is bright!

17/07/2026

What does the future of mining look like?

The MMP Successful Application of Technologies Centred Around People Programme hosted learners from Nombuso High School (KwaZulu-Natal), at the Wits - University of the Witwatersrand, for an exciting Mining Careers Study Tour.
The learners explored:
• Careers in modern mining
• Future skills for mining
• Mining bursary opportunities
• Entrepreneurship and digital innovation – as career options to support mining
• Interactive and immersive experiences - that brought mining to life

The tour aimed to empower community youth, including young women, showcasing mining as an exciting and attractive career, driven by innovation, technology, and opportunity.
Together, we're helping shape the next generation of mining talent!

03/07/2026

The 3rd Annual WiMSA Symposium lineup is officially out, and our very own Executive Director, Julie Courtnage, is a featured speaker. With over 35 years of experience in the mining sector, Julie will be sharing powerful perspectives on sustainability, innovation, and leadership.
Don't miss out - be a part of the change!
Date: 21 - 22 July 2026
Venue: Randpark Golf Club, Randburg
Secure your spot: https://wimsa.org.za

26/06/2026

🚨 Exciting Announcement! 🚨
Mandela Mining Precinct is proud to be part of the upcoming MiningTech Africa Technical Engineering Summit, where our Programme Manager, Martin Pretorius will join industry leaders and will be presenting on:

Why Static Mine Plans Fail: Building Adaptive Mining Operations with AI

The session will examine how machine learning, predictive modelling, and intelligent scheduling techniques are enabling more dynamic, responsive, and data-driven mining operations.

If you are passionate about the future of mining, digital transformation, and innovation in Africa’s mining sector - this is a conversation you do not want to miss.
Register here: https://www.miningtechafrica.com/

11/06/2026

Part 2 of is here!

In this episode, Julie Courtnage and Gary Lane continue their conversation on systems thinking and collaboration in the mining industry, taking the discussion further into the evolving role of technology in the sector.

They explore the impact of digital innovation, particularly artificial intelligence, on jobs, and how these advancements can strengthen mining ecosystems while enabling more integrated systems thinking across the value chain.

Watch here:

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