29 September – 02 October 2026 | Mintek, Randburg
Chief Executive Officer, Mintek
Welcome to Mintek SCi 2026, under the theme “The Next Frontier: Emerging Scientists Driving Change”.
Mintek SCi reflects our commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation of researchers and innovators. It provides a platform where emerging scientists can share their work, engage with peers and industry, and build the relationships needed to turn knowledge into practical impact.
This year’s programme brings together research, innovation and collaboration across critical minerals, energy, emerging technologies, sustainability and the circular economy.
I encourage you to participate fully, ask questions, share ideas and use the opportunity to connect with fellow researchers, industry leaders and innovation partners.
Welcome to Mintek SCi 2026. I trust that you will find the programme stimulating, practical and valuable.
Dr Molefi Motuku
Chief Executive Officer, Mintek
Chairperson, Mintek SCi 2026
Welcome to Mintek SCi 2026.
“The Next Frontier: Emerging Scientists Driving Change” speaks directly to the purpose of this convention. The future of science, technology and the minerals sector will require researchers who are prepared to question established approaches, work across disciplines and develop solutions to complex challenges.
Mintek SCi provides a space for emerging scientists to present their research, engage with different perspectives and connect their ideas to real world challenges.
I encourage every participant to make the most of the programme, engage openly and use this platform to build lasting connections.
Welcome to Mintek SCi 2026. Let us explore the next frontier together.
Dr Ramogohlo Diale-Boshielo
Chairperson, Mintek SCi 2026
Mintek SCi, the Science Convention for Innovators in Engineering, Science and Technology, is a flagship platform supporting the development of young professionals and emerging researchers in science, engineering, technology and innovation.
The convention provides a bridge between academic research and industrial application, giving researchers aged 35 and under from academia, industry and research institutions an opportunity to showcase their work, receive peer feedback and build professional networks.
The 2026 edition brings together emerging research, strategic dialogue, practical innovation and opportunities for collaboration across the minerals and metallurgical sector.
Sustainable extraction, processing and beneficiation, recovery from low grade ores, circular economy approaches.
Renewable energy, fuel cell technologies, energy storage, hydrogen technologies, energy efficiency.
AI, process modelling, digital twins, smart operations, extraction technologies, advanced materials.
Water treatment, mine rehabilitation, asbestos rehabilitation, carbon emissions reduction, decarbonisation.
The NRF is the Primary Sponsor of Mintek SCi 2026. The NRF supports research, human capacity development and critical research infrastructure, playing an important role in strengthening South Africa’s research and innovation system.
The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy is the Programme Partner for Mintek SCi 2026.
Mintek extends its appreciation to the NRF, SAIMM, speakers, judges, committee members, volunteers, support staff, presenters and participants who contribute to the success of Mintek SCi.
Chairperson, Mintek SCi 2026 | Apex Young Researcher Award recipient
Dr Ramogohlo Diale-Boshielo is the Chairperson of Mintek SCi 2026. Her appointment reflects the role that emerging scientific leadership plays in advancing research excellence and strengthening the connection between scientific achievement and the development of the next generation of researchers.
Inform security personnel that you are attending the Mintek SCi event.
Once inside, ask Security for directions to the G4 Conference Room.
Network: MNTKHGuest
Password: No password required
Connect to MNTKHGuest and get online.
Mintek SCi 2026 is an ECSA validated CPD activity.
0.1 CPD points are awarded for every hour attended.
Fairways Hotel, Randburg — 10:00 to 13:00
Programme Director: Lebohang Mokoena, Mintek
The Disruptive Research Roundtable brings together industry, government, academia, civil society and science councils to examine how the innovation system can work differently to address the mineral challenges of the future.
| Time | Item | Speaker / Participants |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 – 10:10 | Welcome Address | Dr Molefi Motuku, CEO, Mintek |
| 10:10 – 10:30 | Keynote Address | Prof Pontsho Twala, Wits Mining Institute |
| 10:30 – 10:55 | Session 1: The Quadruple Helix in Action | Facilitator: Prof Lucky Shikwivhilu; Busisiwe Maphalala (DSI/NRF/CIMERA); Dr Richmore Dondofema (CSIR); Sizakele Nandi Kameru; Clement Masenamela |
| 10:55 – 11:05 | Research Showcase: What Are You Working On? | Open discussion |
| 11:05 – 11:20 | Refreshments Break | |
| 11:20 – 12:05 | Session 2: From Plan to Action | Facilitator: Dr Ashma Singh; Dr Nathan Mudzanapabwe; Tandokazi Nquma Moyo (TIA); Dr Sepo Hachigonta (NRF) |
| 12:05 – 12:40 | Session 3: From Lab to Market | Facilitator: Dr Sipho Nkosi; Kelvin Selway; Alfred Tshabalala |
| 12:40 – 13:00 | Closing Remarks | Dr Molefi Motuku, CEO, Mintek |
| 13:00 onwards | Lunch and networking |
Mintek, Randburg
The Mintek SCi 2026 Graduate Hackathon challenges emerging researchers to develop innovative solutions to real-world mineral sector challenges. Finalist teams will present their solutions at the Main Symposium on 02 October 2026.
Mintek, Randburg — 08:00 to 16:35
The Main Symposium is the principal conference programme of Mintek SCi 2026, bringing together emerging scientists, researchers, academics, industry representatives and other stakeholders to share research and engage with ideas shaping the future of the minerals and metallurgical sector.
The programme features keynote addresses, parallel technical sessions, a panel discussion, Graduate Hackathon pitches, awards and a networking session.
| Time | Programme |
|---|---|
| 08:00 – 09:00 | Registration and morning tea |
| 09:05 – 09:25 | Welcome — Dr Molefi Motuku, CEO Mintek |
| 09:25 – 09:50 | Plenary Keynote Address |
| 10:05 – 10:25 | Tea Break |
| 10:25–10:45 | Keynote: Margreth Tadie |
| 10:45–11:05 | Mashanyu Makatu |
| 11:05–11:20 | Zikhona Magaxeni |
| 11:20–11:40 | Thelma Kadiramwando |
| 11:40–12:00 | Kevin Tshivheano Netshivhongweni |
| 12:00–12:10 | Break |
| 10:25–10:45 | Keynote: Prof Mkhulu Mathe |
| 10:45–11:05 | Casius Thabang Mokwena |
| 11:05–11:20 | Tebogo Motsemme |
| 11:20–11:40 | Wilson Marema Seleka |
| 11:40–12:00 | Mbonzhe Luccile |
| 12:00–12:10 | Break |
12:40–13:30 | Lunch
| 13:30–13:50 | Keynote: Dr Annelize Botes |
| 13:50–14:10 | Sibahle Ngwenya |
| 14:10–14:30 | Andile Faith Mazibuko |
| 14:30–14:50 | Kganya Monareng |
| 14:50–15:10 | Colani John Masina |
| 15:10–15:20 | Break |
| 13:30–13:50 | Keynote: Prof Linda Godfrey |
| 13:50–14:10 | Nemakanga Selby |
| 14:10–14:30 | Lindokuhle Magagula |
| 14:30–14:50 | Phasha Mmapule |
| 14:50–15:10 | Njabulo Sondezi |
| 15:10–15:20 | Break |