20^TH ANNUAL STUDENT COLLOQUIUM

BACKGROUND

The SAIMM aims to bring together professionals in the mining and minerals industry to foster engagement, learning, and knowledge sharing. This October, in celebration of Young Professionals Council (YPC) Month, the focus will be on the contributions of emerging talent in the field under the theme of “Promoting the Retention and Prosperity of Young Professionals in the Mining and Minerals Industry.”
YPC month will feature events where young professionals can network with their peers, industry professionals, and subject matter experts. Additionally, students and early-career professionals will share insights on the latest research and industry developments.

THE EVENTS FOR THE MONTH:
Student Debate: 10th of October, DRA head offices
Topic: What needs to be done to address employment opportunities and retention of young professionals in the mining and minerals industry?

Debate Topics:

Youth participation in the mining sector, Entrepreneurship, Policy Changes & Local Beneficiation of Minerals, Mentorship & Postgraduate training, Increase in Investment funding into the mining sector.
The Johannesburg Branch in partnership with the Young Professionals Council is proud to present the Student Debate featuring The University of Johannesburg and University of the Witwatersrand.
This event will provide a stage for students from The University of Johannesburg and University of the Witwatersrand, within the minerals discipline to present compelling arguments on industry relevant themes.

Career & Leadership Conference: 12th of October, Wits University, Braamfontein
Topic: How to navigate the corporate jungle, from seeking employment, growing your career trajectory, becoming an entrepreneur in the mining and minerals industry, and how to overcome the unspoken challenges.
The career and leadership conference invites professionals in the mining industry to presentation and panel discussions on the given topic and allow attendees to pose question and tackle issues faced in the industry. The objective is to prepare students for the corporate environment and allow those already in corporate to bridge the gap and have a platform to receive career guidance from the industry leaders and peers.

Student Colloquium: 29th of October, Mintek
Topic: Innovation as a catalyst for process development and job creation.
The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy has been organizing and presenting the annual Student Colloquium since 2002, to afford the best final-year mining and metallurgical students an opportunity to present their final year projects to an audience of mining and metallurgical industry experts.
Students are given an opportunity and platform to showcase their best research and innovation that contributes to advancing the mining and minerals industry to greater heights.