NWU to open School of Mines in Rustenburg

 

Rustenburg – Big news is on the horizon for Rustenburg: the North-West University (NWU) has confirmed that a School of Mines and Mining Engineering is in the pipeline – and it will be based right here in our city.

This exciting development was highlighted when NWU principal and vice-chancellor prof Bismark Tyobeka and premier Lazarus Mokgosi signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 29 April 2025, marking a new chapter of cooperation between the university and the provincial government. Although the agreement was signed earlier this year, the news is making waves again now because the details around the School of Mines are finally surfacing — sparking fresh excitement in Rustenburg.

The MoU sets out a five-year plan for collaboration on critical issues such as infrastructure, energy, and skills development, but for Rustenburg residents, the promise of a dedicated mining school is the real headline.

“This university has a central role to play in how we envision the socio-economic prospects of our province,” Premier Mokgosi said. “With challenges like unemployment and climate-related damage to infrastructure, the expertise of NWU will help us unlock solutions and build sustainable communities.”

While the mining school is the most exciting local development, other projects in the pipeline include a School of Veterinary Sciences for Mahikeng and expanded collaboration in areas such as health, water and sanitation, agriculture, artificial intelligence, and sport.

Photo: Prof Bismark Tyobeka, NWU vice-chancellor, and premier Lazarus Mokgosi celebrate the signing of a partnership that paves the way for a School of Mines in Rustenburg.