Sustainability website / Case Studies 2004 / Xstrata coal / Making education available to HDSA students

Making education available to HDSA students

A key element of our education programme is Xstrata Coal's financial support of science-based tertiary education for HDSA students. These bursaries, implemented in 2003, are offered for the full study term. We also contribute to the JB Marks Trust Fund which provides bursaries to dependants of National Union of Mineworkers members. In addition to a financial donation, we provide work experience and on-the-ground training to bursars during the vacation period.

Executive Director for Corporate Development Eric Ratshikhopha said Xstrata also offered courses to unemployed youths selected from the broader community.

"These young people undertake Mining Qualifications Authority training as apprentices, learner miners and engineers and, although there is no guarantee of employment with us, their job prospects in and outside the Group are excellent," he said.

"At a university level, we provide financial assistance to HDSA chemical engineering students studying at the University of Cape Town, and we contribute equipment to the university's undergraduate resource centre, postgraduate library and chemistry laboratory.

"We also provide financial assistance to the Faculty of Mining at the University of Witwatersrand for its programmes which aim to improve the performance of HDSA students studying mining-related disciplines."

In addition, Xstrata Coal contributes to the Minerals Education Trust Fund (METF) which monitors the calibre of technical education provided by tertiary level teaching staff. Funds donated to the METF are used to train Technikon and university lecturers, and to provide additional resources.