Listing Reference: GRP30DM
Listing Status: Open
Position Summary
- Company: Tharisa Minerals
- Industry: Mining and Metals
- Job Category: Graduate Programme / Internship
- Location: North West, South Africa
- Contract Type: Fixed-Term (2 to 3 Years)
- Remuneration: Market Related Stipend
- EE Position: Yes – Employment Equity Applies
- Closing Date: 3 June 2025
Introduction
Tharisa Minerals invites recent graduates to apply for its 2025 Graduate Development Programme (GDP), offering a two-year opportunity to gain real-world work experience in the mining sector. This graduate initiative is tailored to help young professionals acquire essential business competencies, technical exposure in their field, and structured training that builds the foundation for a successful mining career.
As a major player in South Africa’s mining and beneficiation landscape, Tharisa is committed to developing local talent, with preference given to candidates from local communities and labour-sending areas. The programme supports transformation goals, skills development, and female representation in mining and engineering.
Job Description
The Graduate Programme is designed to provide structured exposure and on-the-job learning in a mining environment. Graduates will be placed in specialized departments aligned with their academic background. Over the course of 24–36 months, participants will be involved in real tasks, project work, and team collaboration within one of the following disciplines:
- Metallurgy / Chemical Engineering (Ref: GDP001-M/CE)
- Geology (Ref: GDP001-G)
- Mining Engineering (Ref: GDP001-ME)
- Rock Engineering (Ref: GDP001-RE)
- Surveying (Ref: GDP001-S)
- Instrumentation (Ref: GDP001-I)
Graduates will gain technical mentorship, participate in progress reviews, and be guided toward achieving professional registration or further specialization in their chosen field.
Core responsibilities include:
- Participating in team-based operational or technical projects
- Attending training sessions, site inductions, and safety briefings
- Contributing to problem-solving, data analysis, and innovation within the mine
- Completing scheduled rotations within departments for broader exposure
- Keeping up-to-date records of training, assessments, and development plans
- Collaborating with engineers, geologists, and senior professionals
- Understanding and applying safety and compliance standards
The role aims to fast-track young graduates’ integration into the mining sector, equipping them with real-time problem-solving, project management, and collaboration experience.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate for this graduate programme is a high-achieving, motivated, and curious recent graduate who is passionate about mining, sustainability, and contributing to South Africa’s economic development. The candidate must be ready to work in a site-based, hands-on environment, adapting to a fast-paced, industrial setting.
Preferred candidate traits:
- Recently completed or final-year graduate in the relevant field
- Self-driven, reliable, and eager to learn
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Enthusiastic about contributing to operational efficiency and safety
- A strong team player who thrives in a multicultural and multi-disciplinary setting
- Committed to completing the full duration of the programme
- Female candidates and individuals from designated groups or local communities are encouraged to apply
This programme is well-suited for graduates looking to break into the mining industry and gain practical skills backed by structured support.
Role Responsibility
Graduate responsibilities will vary depending on placement, but across all disciplines, responsibilities may include:
- Assisting with research and data collection for technical analysis
- Participating in operational audits and compliance checks
- Supporting the implementation of new mining or beneficiation technologies
- Documenting fieldwork, sampling, and equipment inspections
- Collaborating on design updates and engineering modifications
- Attending stakeholder meetings and contributing to reports or recommendations
- Engaging in mentorship, coaching, and peer learning sessions
- Contributing to safety, health, environment, and quality (SHEQ) initiatives
This immersive experience prepares graduates for full-time employment and professional registration with relevant industry bodies.
Skills and Attributes
Graduates must demonstrate or be willing to develop the following competencies:
- Technical proficiency in their chosen discipline
- Basic computer literacy including MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Analytical thinking and logical problem-solving ability
- Time management and ability to meet project deadlines
- Strong ethics and integrity in handling site-specific data and information
- Adaptability in dynamic site conditions
- Commitment to safety and adherence to MHSA regulations
- Willingness to be mentored and to mentor others in future
- Resilience and physical fitness, as roles may include underground or field work
These skills will be developed over time through practical exposure and guidance from industry professionals.
Qualifications and Requirements
To be eligible for the Tharisa Graduate Programme 2025, candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Grade 12 / Matric certificate
- A relevant N-Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in one of the following:
- Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering
- Geology
- Mining Engineering
- Rock Engineering
- Surveying
- Instrumentation
- Excellent academic performance
- No previous work experience in the related field
- Must not have participated in another graduate programme or internship
- South African citizenship is compulsory
- Preference given to female candidates and applicants from local communities
- Must be medically fit and able to work on-site
- Must be available to commit to a 2–3 year contract
Applicants must submit all required documents and clearly indicate their preferred discipline and reference code.
Application Process
Interested applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of ID document
- Certified copy of Matric and academic transcripts
- Certified copy of relevant qualification or final-year confirmation letter
- Proof of residency (if from a local community)
- Medical fitness certificate (if available)
Applications must be submitted online through Tharisa’s official careers portal or as directed on the company’s public job listing platforms. Incomplete applications or submissions after the closing date: 3 June 2025 will not be considered.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear back within 30 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Final Note
The Tharisa Minerals Graduate Programme 2025 is a powerful stepping stone for recent graduates eager to transition from classroom theory to real-world impact in South Africa’s mining sector. With dedicated mentorship, competitive exposure, and the opportunity to grow in a world-class mining operation, this programme is ideal for ambitious individuals who want to shape the future of mining.
Apply before 3 June 2025 and take the first step toward building a sustainable and successful career in the mining industry with Tharisa Minerals.