The DSI-NRF CIMERA recently embarked on a series of university tours across its partner universities in South Africa. These visits aimed to reinforce ongoing collaboration.

University of the Free State (UFS)– 15 April 2024

The tour kicked off at the University of Free State Geology Department in Bloemfontein. Prof Nikki Wagner, CIMERA Director, presented the Centre’s objectives, followed by discussions on potential partnerships under the collaborative agreement.Prof Judith Kinnaird, Co-Director, delivered a public lecture on Critical Metals for Clean Energy,attracting students and faculty members. The UFS Geology Head of Department, Prof Bisrat Yibas, gave an informative presentation on ongoing projects and initiatives within the department. UFS academics, Dr Jarlen Keet, Justine Magson (also a CIMERA-funded PhD candidate), and Dr Martin Clark, presented a brief overview of their research work, and a CIMERA-funded MSc student, Mr Johannes Moraka Malebati, also presented their research work. The visit concluded with a tour of the department’s facilities.

Click here to view the University of Free State Geology Department facilities

University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) – 16 April 2024

The team continued to the UKZN Geology Department in Durban, where they were welcomed by department staff, including CIMERA-affiliated academics, Dr Lauren Hoyer and Prof Andrew Green. The visit featured research presentations by professors and lecturers, Prof Andrew Green, Dr Lauren Hoyer, and Dr Willem Kruger, who shed light on the research undertaken within the department, from marine geology to paleomagnetism. Ms Nthabeleng Ramotholo, a CIMERA funded MSc student, presented her research proposal on ‘The Metallogeny of the Mafic-ultramafic Sithilo Complex, Tugela Terrane, Natal, Metamorphic Province.’ Prof Wagner provided an update on CIMERA’s progress, and Prof Kinnaird delivered a well-attended public lecture on “Battery Metals from Africa.” The focus on continued collaboration was emphasised under the existing Memorandum of Agreement.

University of Cape Town (UCT) and University of the Western Cape (UWC) – 22 April 2024

The itinerary included visits to both UCT and UWC Geology departments. Dr Geoffrey Howarth at UCT welcomed the team and provided updates on current CIMERA-funded projects. Prof Wagner presented the Centre’s history and plans, followed by research showcases from affiliated students. CIMERA-funded students, Merrily Tau (PhD) and Danielle Visagie (MSc)presented on the ‘Applicability of Al-in-olivine thermometry in diamond exploration’, and ‘Automatic Earthquake detection via Machine Learning in Leeu Gamka, Karoo, and implications for shale gas extraction’, respectively. CIMERA alumni, Benjamin Whitehead, presented on ‘Rayleigh wave group-velocity maps from ambient noise tomography near Leeu Gamka, Karoo, South Africa’, and Dr Sarah Burness on ‘Mineral Processing’.A similar format was followed at UWC, with Prof Dirk Frei offering historical insights into the department. Dr Jan van Bever Donker and Prof Bailie, along with UWC and CIMERA affiliated academic staff, warmly welcomed the team. The National Research Foundation’s (NRF) Research Programme Officer, Frank Mazibuko, joined the UWC visit. Dr Monica Oghenekome presented her research work, ‘Integrated Reservoir Characterisation of the Pletmos Basin: Implication for Diagenesis and Reservoir Quality’, and UWC geology students presented their research work as well.

The final stop was the Earth Sciences Department at Stellenbosch University. Dr Bjorn von der Heyden presented an overview of the department, followed by Prof Wagner’s update on CIMERA. CIMERA-affiliated PhD student, Daniel Ferreira, presented a summary of his thesis on ‘The Tantalite Valley Complex and its genesis, metallogenesis and prospectivity’. Other Stellenbosch University students within the Department and faculty research presentations provided valuable insights, and Prof Kinnaird delivered another well-received public lecture on ‘Battery Metals from Africa’. The tour concluded with a departmental facilities tour.

The university tours served to strengthen existing collaborations and explore new opportunities for partnerships in geoscience research across South Africa. The focus on student engagement through presentations and public lectures highlights the Centre’s commitment to fostering the next generation of researchers in the field. Stay informed about upcoming university visits by following our social media pages and visiting our website.

Gallery Tours