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More than 300 emerging researchers, students, academics and industry stakeholders participated in Mintek SCi 2026, a weeklong innovation programme bringing together disruptive research, scientific exchange and practical problem solving to explore the future of South Africa’s minerals and metallurgical sector.

The Next Frontier: Connecting Emerging Scientists with Industry

Held under the theme “The Next Frontier: Emerging Scientists Driving Change,” Mintek SCi has evolved beyond a traditional scientific symposium into a platform that connects emerging talent with established researchers, industry and innovation institutions, creating opportunities to turn scientific ideas into practical solutions.

From Disruptive Thinking to Practical Solutions

Mintek SCi 2026 unfolded as a week of innovation, moving from disruptive thinking to practical problem solving and scientific exchange. The programme began with the Disruptive Research Roundtable, challenging researchers and industry to explore bold ideas and technologies that could reshape the minerals sector.

This flowed into the Graduate Hackathon, where emerging scientists and students developed innovative solutions to real world challenges, including mineral imaging and mine impacted water. The week culminated in the Mintek SCi Symposium, bringing emerging scientists, researchers and industry together to share research, challenge ideas and explore the future of critical minerals, emerging technologies, sustainability, the circular economy, urban mining and energy.

Together, the programme demonstrated how innovation can move from ideas, to experimentation, to knowledge and potential impact.**

Innovation as the Thread Connecting the Programme

Innovation was therefore not simply a theme running through Mintek SCi 2026. It was the central thread connecting the entire programme, from questioning established approaches at the Disruptive Research Roundtable, to presenting new research at the symposium, and ultimately developing potential solutions during the Hackathon.

Building the Next Generation of Mining Scientists

Opening the symposium, Dr Jones Papo, Group Executive for Mining Materials and Automation at Mintek, highlighted the important role that emerging scientists and engineers will play in responding to the changing minerals and metallurgical landscape.

He emphasised the importance of creating an ecosystem in which young researchers can access experienced scientists, engage with industry and build meaningful collaborations.

“The emerging scientists in this room will play an important role in shaping how we respond to those opportunities. But they cannot do it alone.”

He stressed that platforms such as Mintek SCi enable emerging researchers to present their work, challenge established thinking, receive constructive feedback and build relationships that can accelerate innovation.

Turning Mineral Wealth into Sustainable Value

Delivering the keynote address, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, Vice Chancellor and Principal of North West University, challenged delegates to look beyond the mineral resources beneath the ground and focus on how scientific knowledge, technology and innovation can convert those resources into sustainable economic value.

“Human progress has never depended only on what lies beneath our feet. It has depended on what we learn to do with it.”

Prof Tyobeka highlighted the growing role of technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital twins and advanced sensors in mining and mineral processing, while emphasising that technological capability must be supported by strong scientific foundations.

“Strong digital skills become more powerful when joined to strong disciplinary knowledge.”

He also called for stronger collaboration between universities, research institutions and industry to ensure that promising research moves beyond the laboratory and towards practical application. Institutions such as Mintek, he noted, have an important role to play in creating this bridge between research and industry.

Passing the Baton to the Next Generation

Ms Pontso Maruping, Managing Director of the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory, reinforced the importance of building a stronger and more connected science ecosystem capable of developing the next generation of African scientists and leaders.

“This symposium’s theme is about tomorrow and the future. But more importantly, it’s about who is going to build tomorrow.”

She emphasised the need to actively develop young scientific talent and create platforms where established researchers, industry and academia can engage meaningfully with emerging scientists.

“We need a stronger and more connected science ecosystem. But more than that, we need to actively pass the baton to the younger generation.”

Her message resonated strongly with the purpose of Mintek SCi, which seeks to create opportunities for emerging scientists to build knowledge, networks, confidence and partnerships while exposing them to the possibilities of research, technology and innovation.

Creating Connections Across the Innovation Ecosystem

The programme also featured an exhibition bringing together organisations across research, technology development, skills development and industry, including the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Mintek, SABINANO, Verde Scientific, Rainbow Rare Earths, CIMERA, the Mining Qualifications Authority, CSIR, SCC Group, the NRF and TIA. The exhibition created further opportunities for delegates to engage with organisations and explore potential partnerships.

Connecting Research, Innovation and Industry

Mintek SCi was delivered in partnership with the National Research Foundation (NRF), with the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) as a sponsor. The partnerships highlighted the importance of connecting research, innovation, industry and investment to ensure that promising ideas can progress towards practical application and impact.

Building Scientific Capability for Africa’s Mineral Future

As South Africa and the wider African continent seek to capture greater value from critical minerals and participate more strongly in the global clean energy and technology economy, scientific capability and innovation will be increasingly important.