Mining Resilience Research Centre

It is generally acknowledged that the mining industry in South Africa is a main source of economic growth and social transformation.  Prior to the establishment of the MRRC, Heads of Departments at UP expressed concerns that mining in South Africa was not meeting the full expectations of investors, government, employees, organised labour, communities and other stakeholders for a number of complex reasons. To improve the current perception around the mining industry in South Africa and the sustainability of the industry, UP has positioned itself to play a significant role in this endeavour. To accomplish this, the aim of this initiative is to develop significant inter-disciplinary research collaboration within UP and external organisations doing research related to mining challenges.

Through this multi-disciplinary network, the MRRC aims to increase the Resilience of the mining industry by contributing towards practically implementable solutions to enable the mining industry, in its transition to move from being reactive and compliant, to becoming resilient in issues relating to productivity, safety, health, environment, social responsibility and community management, through well-structured and committed postgraduate education and rigorous, integrated, scientific research drive initiatives. In this, the MRRC draws on the multidisciplinary resources within UP, matching the right skillsets to any mining problem. The MRRC also aims to strengthen its national and international profile through the establishment of sound sustainable business and other collaborative relationships.

Vision

“The Vision of the MRRC is to establish the Centre at the University of Pretoria as a leading International Contributor to solutions for complex Mining Industry problems."

Mission

“The MRRC will increase the Resilience of the Mining Industry by contributing towards practically implementable solutions to enable the mining industry, in its transition to move from being reactive and compliant, to eventually become resilient in issues relating to safety, health, environment, social responsibility and community management through well-structured and committed postgraduate education and rigorous, integrated, scientific research drive initiatives."

Our strategic goals structure the long-term trajectory of the MRRC

• To be a leading research intensive Centre
• Conduct relevant research, through the employment of sound science and technology approach to generating solutions, continuously improving quality.
• To strengthen the Centre’s national and international profile through the establishment of sound sustainable business and other collaborative relationships
• To become financially independent in establishing the Centre as sustainable research organization