EXPLORING THE EFFECT OF INTRUSIONS ON COAL AT THEWITBANK COAL FIELDS
Itumeleng Matlala | Ph.D. Student, Univesity of Johannesburg
I chose geology, explicitly exploring the effect of intrusions on coal because South Africa is rich in coal reserves. My focus is on organic petrology and geochemistry of coal.
I saw an opportunity to challenge myself by challenging industry norms while shaping the foundations of an industry that is vital for global energy needs. It is important that clean energy solutions and efficient coal extraction processes be highly prioritized. South Africa stands as a treasure trove of mineral resources. Recognizing my passion, I took the opportunity to focus on the fascinating interplay between geology and coal. Intrigued by the process of electricity generation and its environmental implications, my passion led me to study the intricate mechanisms of coal formation, its extraction, and its role as a vital resource on a global scale. By studying the effects of igneous intrusions on coal at the Witbank coal fields and their impact on industrial applications, I seek to address the challenges faced by the industry concerning carbon emissions and the generation of coal ash during the combustion process.
As a CIMERA student who has been with the Centre of Excellence since I began my M.Sc studies until the completion of my Ph.D. studies, I am appreciative to have CIMERA support my education.
I will present my research at the International Committee for Coal and Organic Petrology at the University of Patras in Greece. CIMERA has helped me continue my field studies and present my research at the Coal Preparation Conference and Exhibition at Secunda in South Africa. I am a proud woman in coal geology as a discipline. The field fosters diverse perspectives and innovative approaches towards clean coal technologies within the era of the just energy transition, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
EXPLORING THE EFFECT OF INTRUSIONS ON COAL AT THEWITBANK COAL FIELDS
Glenance Ngomane | Master’s Student, Univesity of Pretoria
I am a student at the University of Pretoria and currently doing a Master’s degree in economic geology. I am part of a research team in partnership with Anglo-American, and we are studying minerals for geochronological petrographic analyses.
I chose economic geology due to my passion for science and business. When I began my journey, I knew that I loved science but did not know which part of it. I chose economic geology because I had exposure to biology, geography, and geology field trips. I loved how the geology field satisfied my curiosity for business and the economy while ensuring the sustainability of resources. I love science and the business industry, so economic geology was my right field.
I study the age and composition of specific rocks in Angola called the Anorthosites of the Kunene Complex (KAC). These rocks are made up of large crystals of plagioclase and mineral-rich pockets within them. The KAC is an important area for mineral exploration, bearing similarities with the setting of the highly valuable Ni-Cu Voisey’s Bay deposit in Canada.
The anorthosite rocks contain mineralized areas called pods. These pods have coarse-grained pyroxene, apatite, magnetite, and small amounts of sulphides. One of the goals of my research is to study the composition of these mineralized pods using microscopes and mineral mapping techniques.
Another project objective is to study the sulphides associated with the mineralized pods; examining their composition, texture, and geochemical properties. My research will benefit the mining industry in the African region because it addresses the crystallization age of the pods and focuses on the gap between the host and the anorthosite. The pods are mineralized, and during my research process, I can provide answers and trace elements to determine whether the pods have mining potential.
I am genuinely grateful for being a CIMERA-funded student because DSI-NRF CIMERA has enabled me to continue my passion without worrying about the financial burden. I love how I became part of an ecosystem of geological academics and experts, and I am in the process of making my contribution to the economic geosciences field.
I had the opportunity to attend the Mining Indaba conference through DSI-NRF CIMERA, and the experience was phenomenal. I met industry experts, gained and shared knowledge, and learned about my field outside the academic area. As I reflect on my journey, my advice for an aspiring young scientific business mind is: do not be afraid to be curious about science and business; enjoy the journey; and there is more to research and learn about science.
GENETIC CONSTRAINTS ON GOLD AND ANTIMONYMINERALIZATION ALONG THE ANTIMONY LINE,MURCHISON GREENSTONE BELT, SOUTH AFRIC.
Thabo Kgarabjang | Ph.D. Student, Univesity of Limpopo
I am a PhD Geology student at the University of Limpopo. I was born and raised in a village called Mehlareng, situated in the Zebediela region. I was in high school at Sebitja Secondary School. After high school, I pursued my undergraduate degree at the University of Limpopo and earned an honours degree after completing my undergraduate degree. Towards the end of my honours degree, I was introduced to DSI- NRF CIMERA by my PhD supervisor, Prof Napoleon Q. Hammond, who was also my honours supervisor then.
Prof Hammond encouraged me to further my studies. He became a mentor to me. I became part of the DSI-NRF CIMERA family when I was pursuing my MSc, and DSI-NRF CIMERA funded my research. When I was in Grade 10, I wanted to pursue soil sciences at university. I wanted a career that had to do with the earth and the forces that continue to shape the planet. I did not know about geology at that time. I later realized that soil sciences were not for me when I realized that it included some aspects I did not like, such as botany. That prompted me to relook my career choice. One day I was going through a university prospectus, and I came across the geology programme. I googled geology, and I loved everything about it. When I applied to the University, I had three choices of study, and geology was my first preference. I was very happy when I was accepted into the geology programme. I feel that I made the best decision to go into geology because my journey has been phenomenal.
I enjoy geology. It has a lot of branches to it and each branch is just as interesting. I am a researcher at heart. I enjoy being in the field and the lab figuring out why something is the way it is. Throughout my academic journey, I have taught and mentored.
Through the Centre for Academic Excellence (CAE) at the University of Limpopo, I have hosted extra classes and taught historically challenging geology modules identified by the Centre. I have been involved in various field and laboratory practicals in my department as an assistant. I continue to mentor a number of geology students from the University of Limpopo, the University of Pretoria, and the University of Namibia. Currently, I am the vice-chairperson of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM), Limpopo Branch.
There is a feature of geological interest in the Mopani region, just between Phalaborwa and Tzaneen. That feature is the Murchison Greenstone Belt, and it has economic gold and antimony deposits. My goal is to understand the origin of the gold and antimony. I enjoy my research because I get to provide answers to questions that are hardly asked but are crucial to our understanding of the earth from a geological perspective. Mining companies only want to get the gold from the pit and bring it to the market, and that is fine. However, I want to know how the gold came to be where we find it today, and that is fulfilling. In my spare time, I write books. I have two published books. The first book is an inspirational text that focuses on the Christian faith, and the second book is a novel that exposes the horrors of gender-based violence.
DSI-NRF CIMERA has been a blessing I do not take for granted. It is not every day that you find a research funder who encourages you to attend short courses and conferences at their expense. I have met and made lasting relationships with academics and industry experts through DSI-NRF CIMERA across the country and beyond. That has added more enthusiasm and anticipation towards my research. The support and exposure I get from DSI-NRF CIMERA is unprecedented.
When I look back on my journey, the advice that I would give to the younger version of me or anyone who wants to pursue a career in geology is to sit back and think deeply about what you really want to do. Find what you really want to do and die pursuing it. Sometimes, your passion may not be a good choice financially or perhaps otherwise, but better is the life marked by your passion. There is so much you can do in the field of geology. Its diverse branches make it easier to narrow down your expertise and excel in it. I will probably die holding a rock. Find something you will die holding.
