National mineral research organisation Mintek has called on young researchers to register for the second yearly Mintek-Science Convention for Innovators (SCi), a national platform for emerging researchers in the minerals sector to be held on October 2 at its premises in Randburg.

Aimed at young researchers under the age of 35, Mintek-SCi 2025 has called on postgraduate students, early-career professionals and innovators to join a growing community that is shaping the future of mineral science and engineering.

Under the theme 'The Next Frontier: Emerging Scientists Driving Change', this year’s programme includes oral and poster presentations as well as the newly introduced Grad Hackathon.

Delegates will engage with key themes such as critical minerals, energy, emerging technology, sustainability and circular economy and unlocking resources.

The symposium also features a speaker programme, with thought leaders drawn from government, academia and industry.

These include Mintek CEO Dr Molefi Motuku, National Research Foundation-South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement MD Dr Mamoeletsi Mosia, as well as experts from institutions such as Mineral Innovative Technologies, SUNY Polytechnic, Ex Mente, Multotec and others, with the aim of engendering a robust and cross-sectoral dialogue that reflects the evolving needs of the minerals industry.

Participants will also have exclusive access to the Grad Hackathon presentations, where interdisciplinary teams of graduates present solutions to real-world challenges including AI-driven mineral processing optimisation, sustainable water usage in mining, alternative energy for smelting, real-time equipment monitoring and cost-effective pothole repair.

“Mintek-SCi 2025 promises to be more than just an opportunity for networking, knowledge exchange and inspiration. Mintek has long served as a training ground for leading metallurgists, chemical engineers and technologists. With this symposium and hackathon, we continue to invest in the innovation ecosystem of South Africa,” Motuku comments.