Mining Engineers duties also include:

• working with geologists to locate and evaluate new ore deposits
• researching and developing new mining processes, technology and methods
• conducting feasibility studies on greenfield brownfield projects
• conducting research into the health and safety of mine workers
• During the course of their careers, mining engineers may decide to specialise in the fields rock engineering, mining economics, geology project design.

What you should study

You can study towards a BSc/B Eng in mining engineering at a university. You will need to undergo a medical fitness test and a psychometric assessment.

University

Only the universities of Pretoria and Witwatersrand offer a BSc/B Eng in mining engineering. This is a four-year, full-time course.

Graduate career

Mining engineering graduates join the mine junior mining engineers to begin a period inservice training as either a miner, shift boss or overseer, and will be exposed to stoping, developing, surveying, sampling, ventilation, engineering, geology, surveying, human resources and finance.

We are looking for

A basic interest in business, finance, production an ability in mathematics and science are essential for success as a mining engineer. The following attributes are also important:

Extractive metallurgy

Extracting the minerals from the coarse ore has to be feasible, both technically and economically. Some ores have to be crushed and milled to fine powder so that the metal contained can be liberated for further processing. In all cases, a concentrated form of the valuable component is produced.

Metallurgy/chemical engineering

Impala employs extractive metallurgists and chemical engineers, particularly at Mineral Processes and the Refineries. Analytical chemists are responsible for the analysis of all samples. At the process plants, day-to-day running, maintenance and troubleshooting are the responsibility of the metallurgist/chemical engineer. Other responsibilities include the administration and management of the plant. The metallurgist is also involved in:

• determining the feasibility of mining and processing various mineral deposits, together with the mining engineer and geologist
• plant design, especially installation and commissioning
• developing new metallurgical processes
• optimising current processes
• quality and environmental control and management

At the Refineries, chemical engineers are involved in the following activities:

• high-value refinery trouble-shooting
• process engineering and design
• production supervision and management
• technical supervision
• project engineering and management
• research and development
• technical contracting
• environmental impact assessment and its management

What you should study

You can study towards a BSc Eng in either metallurgy or chemical engineering (minerals processing). This is four-year full-time course. You will also be required to complete structured vacation work. To be accepted at university for this degree, you must have a senior certificate with university exemption and a C symbol in both mathematics and science on higher grade.

University

Graduates should have degrees from preferably the universities of Cape Town, the Witwatersrand, Pretoria or KwaZulu Natal.

Graduate career

Graduates at Impala Platinum can join one of the operating divisions:

• Mineral Processes, including the smelter and concentrating plant
• Refineries

On joining the company, the new metallurgist/chemical engineer undergoes a period of familiarisation and undertakes shift work to develop practical knowledge and skills. This includes laboratory work. A chemical engineer is expected to attend a number of prescribed training courses, aimed mainly at developing managerial skills.

On qualifying, the career path for metallurgists at Mineral Processes is as follows:

• Plant Metallurgist
• Senior Plant Metallurgist
• Senior Metallurgical Engineer

Graduates joining the Refineries may progress to the level of senior chemical engineering, once they have had relevant, practical experience in a wide cross-section of activities. This is followed by promotion to either production, commercial, technical or management level. Allowance is also made for those who wish to become technical specialists in a particular field.

Analytical chemistry

After graduation, Impala employs development and analytical chemists who are involved in:

• method development and validation
• instrument commissioning and calibration
• trouble-shooting
• the investigation and recommendation of new technology
• the training of analysts on new instrumentation
• routine analysis of samples

What you should study

Ideally you should complete a BSc, majoring in Chemistry with Statistics as the second major. Applicants must study to honours level.

The universities have different selection procedures to select candidates for a BSc degree.

Graduate career

On joining the company, the new development chemist will be given the opportunity to work in as many of the company's laboratories as possible so that they are familiar with the various processes used and to develop their knowledge and skills.

The career path is as follows:

• Development chemist
• Senior chemist
• Chief chemist
• Laboratory manager

The main purpose of a chemist's job, besides ensuring the day-to-day running of the laboratory, is to manage and provide analytical services. All Impala Platinum's laboratories are run in accordance with ISO 17025 1999. Chemists verify that results to be reported are accurate and have technical responsibility for the laboratory.

We are looking for

People who have innovative thinking abilities. Ideal candidates must be able to lead people, have an attitude that is receptive to change and an aptitude for science and mathematics. In addition, the successful metallurgist/chemical engineer should be:

• able to think logically and analytically
• a self starter
• highly motivated
• strong in communication skills
• be interested in science

• Mining geologists ensure that the minerals are efficiently extracted from the deposit for maximum profit.
• Exploration geologists locate deposits of important minerals and determine whether the quantities are large enough to make mining economically viable.

Most of the geologists employed by Impala are mining geologists although there are a number of exploration geologists. Mining and exploration geologists have different responsibilities and are involved in different job activities.

Mining geology

A mining geologist's activities include mapping, recording and compiling geological data in and around the mine. This provides the mining engineer with details of the location, structure and distribution of ore in a deposit. Furthermore, the mining geologist delineates the ore reserves on which the mine's life depends, using geoscientific techniques to predict the grade and structure of ore bodies in unknown areas. The mine geologist plays a crucial role in the optimisation of the ore body and is intimately involved in the mine planning process.

What you should study

Those of you who are more academically inclined and want to study at university, can study towards a BSc (Hons) in geology, a four-year, full time course. This will enable you to work as a geologist and to register as a professional scientist with the South African Council for Natural Scientists. You will need to pass a medical fitness test, undergo a psychometric assessment and attend an interview.

To be accepted for a BSc degree you will need a senior certificate with university exemption and mathematics and science on higher grade.

In addition, if you have an Impala bursary, you will be required to complete structured vacation work at a mine or exploration office.

Graduate career

Graduates with Honours degrees in geology join a mine or exploration office as geologists-in-training, and are placed on a training programme designed to suit the requirements of the individual mine or exploration office. Once this has been completed, you may be appointed as a mine or project geologist. From then on you will follow these promotional routes:

• Mine/Project Geologist
• Senior Geologist
• Geology Manager
• Ore Resource Manager
• Consulting geologist

We are looking for

Someone who is highly motivated and a self-starter should consider geology. The ability to distill the essence of a situation from large amounts of information, an eye for detail and the ability to see in 3-D are essential. These attributes, combined with an overall aptitude for mathematics, science and computer literacy, are the basic qualities in the sort of person who will find this career challenging. In addition, the following are also important in a geologist:

• Leadership qualities
• Physical fitness
• Strong communication skills
• The ability to work in a team
• Self-assurance
• An interest in mining
• An ability to keep abreast of developments in the field

In addition, the engineering department is also responsible for:

• the installation and maintenance of large systems such as underground ventilation and cooling, as well as the hoisting of men, materials, equipment and rock
• the management, training and development of learners, technicians, artisans, foremen, learner officials and junior engineers
• mechanical and electrical engineers are also involved in designing and planning for developing mines and in the creation, development and management of new technologies.

Mechanical engineering

Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. A career in this discipline involves the design, production, manufacture and maintenance of the various pieces of equipment, machinery and engines used in almost every type of industry and technology. Mechanical engineering is often regarded as the foundation of modern technology because many of the successful tool and equipment applications are based on the principles of mechanical engineering.

Electrical engineering

The field of electrical engineering is divided into heavy current and light current engineering. Heavy current electrical engineering is concerned with the supply, distribution, transformation and use of electrical power. Work in this area is characterised by high voltage power systems. Electrical engineers are involved in the design, manufacture, installation and management of various appliances and systems that generate or use electrical energy such as substations, ventilation systems and pumps.

Light current engineering or electronics is concerned with the application of low power electrical systems. The electronic engineer designs, manufactures, installs and manages the systems, equipment and components used in telecommunications, navigation, data processing and process control.

What you should study

If you want to become an engineer at Impala, you can work towards graduating with a BSc in either mechanical or electrical engineering – heavy current. This is a four-year, full time course. You will need to obtain a medical certificate of fitness, undergo a psychometric assessment and attend an interview. If you have received a bursary from Implats, you will be required to complete structured vacation work at Impala.

Graduate career

Graduates in mechanical and electrical engineering join the mine or work as engineers-in-training for a minimum of two years. The purpose of this training programme is to provide important skills which will produce well qualified engineers.

What you should study

You can study towards becoming an accountant at most universities. A matric with university exemption and a good pass in higher grade mathematics is essential.

To qualify as a chartered accountant, a commerce degree at honours level is essential, followed by a stint "doing articles" at an auditing firm. This is followed by the Public Accountants' and Auditors' Board exam.

Graduate career

Graduates join the mine as finance trainees and are given exposure to the various areas of finance. In preparation for the diverse work opportunities that may become available. Promotion is subject to vacancies being available and incumbents meeting the inherent requirements of the job.

We are looking for

The requirements here include good communication skills, an aptitude for figure work and an interest in computers. The following attributes are also important:

• Analytical ability
• Flexibility
• The ability to work under pressure
• Problem solving ability
• Integrity
• Self motivation