New trends and ‘must have’ skills are increasing the number of openings in this sector – which is good news for switched on students Graduates often have pre-conceived ideas about the mining sector – that it’s unsafe, that working in this industry means living miles away from anywhere interesting and that graduate recruiters here are only interested in engineering qualifications.

 The recession hit mining hard, but things are looking up. The mining industry is in a state of flux as legislation changes and government steps up its efforts to help the sector grow. While the industry was hit hard by the recession, things are on the up and opportunities for graduates are increasing.

JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) - South Africa remained the major educator of mining engineers in the English-speaking world, even though the country only managed a marginal pass rate every year, stated executive search firm Landelahni on Tuesday.

One of AngloGold Ashanti's mines The local mining industry still has enormous potential as our country has the largest mineral reserve base in the world The local and international mining industries have undergone significant changes in recent years and face an interesting future.

South Africa’s economy was built on the back of its mines, and to this day, the mining industry in South Africa remains crucial. It is still the single biggest employer in the country, with around 460 000 employees and another 400 000 employed by the suppliers of goods and services to the industry.

Mining is literally big business. Especially in South Africa where the industry is currently getting even bigger. As one of the country’s largest employers, the sector needs people from across the board – human resources, public relations, finance and even marketing; just about anyone could find a place in mining.

A resources boom and scarce skills in the mining industry means huge opportunities for savvy graduates. SA banks on mining Mining continues to play an important role in the national economy of South Africa. Not only is it a major employer, but also currently accounts for about seven percent of the gross domestic product (GDP).

Name: Trevor Holl Age: 26 Job Title: Engineer - Production Company: Anglo Platinum What is your educational background? N.Dip Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current); Government Certificate of Competency – Mines Electrical.

Courtesy: Anglo Platinum Extractive Metallurgy involves the removal of valuable metals or minerals from rock (called ore) that is mined from the earth’s crust and the subsequent refining of these metals or minerals so that they can be used by man.

Name: Christo Horn Age: 33 Job Title: Mining Engineer - Production Company: Anglo Platinum What is your educational background? B.Sc Mining Engineering; Mine Manager’s Certificate of Competency; Management Development Programme.

Courtesy: Anglo Platinum Mining is, in essence, the removal of rock that contains a valuable metal, mineral or substance from the earth’s crust. This rock is called ore. Sounds simple enough, but due to factors such as: The depth of the ore below the surface The shape of the ore body (e.