Epiroc sponsors Wits students on their Mine Engineering journey
Epiroc South Africa along with its divisions URE, SED and ADS, sponsored 120 jackets to support final 4th year Wits School of Mining Engineering students on their 2018 mine tour from 11 to 14 June 2018.
The objective of this annual tour is to provide these students with practical demonstrations and knowledge of various mining methods practiced around the country. The tour forms the foundation of the two courses namely Mine Design Project and Rock Engineering and is a partial fulfilment of the requirements to graduate.
According to Professor Cuthbert Musingwini from Wits School of Mining, most of their students come from disadvantaged backgrounds and therefore sponsorships are always received with much appreciation. “As the mining company has been a perennial sponsor of our final-year students we did not hesitate to once again request sponsorship. We are sincerely grateful to Epiroc for this in-kind support of our students,” says Musingwini.
Twenty-three-year old final-year Wits Mining Engineering student, Kediinametse (Kedi) Phage’s goal is to be a financial analyst in the mining sector. “I believe that everything revolves around mining; it forms the core. I would like to know everything there is to know about mining so that I will be armed with the knowledge and understanding I need to be able to assist on the financial side of mining projects and machinery. This sponsorship means so much to us and we would like to thank Epiroc from the bottom of our hearts.”
Mining Engineering student, Awodwa Godlo, fell in love with mining during grade eight high school. “My five year goal is to learn the ins and outs about mining and I aim to work in underground mining. When we approached Epiroc for this sponsorship, the team was so welcoming and willing to support. We are deeply grateful.”
On 16 May 2018, Kedi and Awodwa received the jackets with great excitement and gratitude on behalf of the 96 Wits mining students as well as lecturers and staff. “These jackets will certainly come in handy during their tour which takes place in the heart of winter,” says Musingwini.
Epiroc believes in the education and development of students; as contributors to the economy, they are crucial to the country’s future success. In line with this belief, the company continuous to implement numerous successful learnership and internship programmes at their Jet Park head office in Johannesburg.
According to Kathryn Coetzer, Communications and Academy Manager, (Epiroc), always on the look-out for magnified talent, the company partners with institutions to gain access to passionate and competent people whom they can hopefully one day employ as part of the Epiroc Family. “We are proud to be a part of this initiative and look forward to working with and guiding bright students going forward.”
Heino Hammann, Regional ADS Business Line Manager (Epiroc South Africa Drilling Solutions) says: “We at Epiroc regard ourselves as a major contributor to the success within the mining industry and supporting such an initiative proves that we invest and cherish the future of our youth and upcoming Mining Engineers.” Hamman explains that mining in South Africa has always been and will remain a big part of the country’s GDP so, investing in the future generation will ensure the existence of this important industry. He encourages the students with a quote from Arnold Schwarzenegger: “You can’t climb the ladder of success with your hand in your pocket. You must have a vision, if you don’t, find your vision and work hard to where you want to be.”
