Department of Mining and Environmental Geology

The Department of Mining and Environmental Geology of University of Venda was established in 2000 in response to a challenge posed by the Limpopo Provincial Government to the two universities in the Province.  The Provincial Government observed that in spite of the fact that mining is one of the top economic nodes of the province; there is no training programme in mining in the two universities. In response to this challenge, University of Venda mandated the School of Environmental Sciences to develop a mining programme for the University.  The School responded in earnest and established the current Department of Mining and Environmental Geology (MEG).

The MEG department has therefore been a most successful and gratifying response to the challenge posed by the Limpopo Provincial Government in 1999.  Most importantly MEG is on course in contributing to the youths of the region by providing access to the mining profession, thus linking the youths with a profession that their fore-bearers patronized merely as unskilled mine workers.  In this context the MEG curricula has helped to advance the mission and vision of linking UNIVEN with the needs of its community.

Mission

To advance the community learning by engaging in scientific research; provide a high quality educational experience to students in a diverse learning environment; and partnership with communities to provide educational, technical and cultural support to increase their liveability.

Vision

To provide comprehensive, interdisciplinary curriculum with emphasis on effective exploitation of mineral resources and management of the environment through teaching and community-based research.

Admission requirements

There is a limited number of places and therefore meeting the minimum entry requirement does not guarantee a place. Selection will be based on a student’s M score (the sum of the points) obtained on the basis of results achieved in the matriculation a, Mathematics, Physical Science but excluding Life Orientation and Life Science).

Diploma in Mining Impact and Post-Mining Rehabilitation – NSC or 20-credits subjects