Course format

• Though grounded in law, the programme is distinctly multi-disciplinary in nature, and as such comprehensively incorporates aspects from macro- and micro economics and management, finance, mining engineering and earth sciences, through close collaboration with associated University of Pretoria Faculties and Departments.

• Classes are presented by leading experts in academia and practice.

• Instruction is in English by means of formal lectures, case studies, practical exercises, field visits, and extensive library and IT access.  Emphasis is placed on classroom participation during contact sessions to augment the comparative study experience.

• Throughout the programme, students will have the opportunity to interact with world experts in academia and practice and to gain an invaluable understanding of working in the extractive industries.

• The duration of the course is one academic year. In order to allow for the greatest flexible learning experience and to accommodate working professionals, the course consists of a blend of intensive on-campus contact sessions, and distance learning modules, as below:

• Induction units of core modules (EIL 801 & EIL 802) are presented via distance learning;

• Substantive units of core modules (EIL 801 & 802) are presented via full contact sessions, (i.e. full-day classes from 08:30 – 16:30), for six weeks during June and July each year;

• Elective modules (EIL 803; EIL 804; EIL 805) are presented via distance learning units;

• In addition, students have to complete a mini-dissertation (13 000-15 000 words) on a thematic topic via distance learning & supervision, during the last six months of the year.

• Where feasible, students undertake field trips to a variety of extractive industry related organisations, companies, institutes and operations. These trips are intended to afford students a holistic and well-rounded understanding of the realities and requirements of the extractive industries, as seen from an African perspective.

Module selection

Programme Code: 04251007

Compulsory modules:

• EIL 801:   Rights to and regulation of natural resources

The aim of this module is to equip students with a thorough understanding of the legal and policy aspects of natural resources and the regulation of natural resources and industries to extract natural resources. As such, a selection of topics includes extractive industries development and production; aspects of land access and use; mining and petroleum model laws; introductory elements to project finance; economics; and tax regulation.

• EIL 802:   Sustainability aspects of extractive industries

The aim of this module is to equip students with a thorough understanding of the sustainability aspects of extractive industries and, as such, will address what is often considered the ‘softer’ elements of the industries. Amongst others, these include aspects of social license to operate and corporate social responsibility; environmental challenges, post-closure legacy; various aspects of community engagement, and corruption and whistle-blowing.

• RHP 801: Research methodology

This module takes the format of a compulsory, intensive research workshop, aimed at assisting and developing students' postgraduate research capabilities. The workshop covers essential skills and elements of the research process, including planning, hypothesis, methodology, academic language skills, research ethics and referencing. 

• RHP 803: Research proposal

Prior to commencing with their mini-dissertations, students are required to prepare and submit a research proposal on their particular topic.  The research proposal is designed to act a 'roadmap' for the future research and represents an agreement between the supervisor and the student as to the intended aims and objectives of the proposed research.

• MND 800:

Students are required to submit a mini-dissertation of between 13 000 and 15 000 words (including footnotes but excluding the list of contents and the bibliography) on a topic related to one of the taught modules.

[Prerequisites: RHP 801 and RHP 803]

A choice of ONE of the following elective modules:

• EIL 803:  The South African Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (MPRDA)

The aim of this module is to equip students with a thorough understanding of conceptual and practical aspects of the South African Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act and the various related laws, regulations and jurisprudence.

• EIL 804:  International law aspects of extractive industries

This module is aimed at equipping students with a thorough understanding of the many international law aspects of extractive industries. As such, this module will look at the various treaties and conventions that may affect the extractive industries, including those relating to the relocation of communities; environmental standards; some aspects of international trade law; international dispute resolution, and the EITI and transparency.