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A ROADMAP FOR MINERALS PROCESSING EDUCATION
A Masters-Level Degree Programme to Support
the Development of a Sustainable and Socially
Responsible Minerals Industry in Africa

Broadhurst, J., Bradshaw, D., Charikinya, E., Harrison, S.T.L., Franzidis, J-P,
Masinja, J. and von Blottnitz, H.

Abstract

This paper describes a trans-disciplinary and inter-institutional Master of
Philosophy (MPhil) degree programme aimed at generating professionals
who have an overall understanding of the complex sustainable challenges
facing the minerals industry and society in Africa, a sensitivity on how to
project such in the context of different stakeholders, as well as the ability
to develop the knowledge required to address these challenges through
research. This unique and innovative programme targets graduate
professionals from across a spectrum of disciplines, including geologists,
engineers, planners, strategists, lawyers, regulators, health professionals,
safety specialists, environmental officers and social scientists, and was
developed as part of the Education for Sustainable Development in Africa
(ESDA) project of the United Nations University Institute for Sustainability
and Peace (UNU-ISP). It is delivered on a decentralized basis by two
African universities (University of Cape Town-Cape Town and University
of Zambia-Lusaka, based upon a common set of course instructions.
Students are required to complete advanced study by coursework, an
internship, and a research dissertation which will account for 67% of
the total credits for the degree. Hosted by the Minerals to Metals (MtM)
Initiative at the University of Cape Town, this programme has created a
unique platform for developing trans-disciplinary skills and approaches
for addressing the sustainability challenges facing the minerals industry
sector. It is expected that future decision makers will come from this
platform and be equipped to realise the promise of Africa.

A Masters-Level Degree Programme to Support the Development of 197
a Sustainable and Socially Responsible Minerals Industry in Africa