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02 October 2026 — Main Symposium

02 October 2026 — Main Symposium

Main Symposium

Theme: The Next Frontier: Emerging Scientists Driving Change
Date: Friday, 02 October 2026
Time: 08:00 to 16:35
Venue: Mintek, Randburg

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.

Symposium Programme

TimeProgramme
08:00 – 09:00Registration and morning tea
09:00 – 09:02Introduction Video
09:00 – 09:05Safety Briefing
09:05 – 09:25Welcome by Mintek CEO, Dr Molefi Motuku
09:25 – 09:50Plenary Keynote Address
09:50 – 10:00Know your Event Venues
10:05 – 10:25Tea Break

10:25 to 12:40 | Parallel Session 1: Critical Minerals (Auditorium) and Parallel Session 2: Energy (G4)

TimeCritical Minerals — AuditoriumEnergy — G4
10:25 – 10:45Keynote: Margreth TadieKeynote: Prof Mkhulu Mathe
10:45 – 11:05Mashanyu MakatuCasius Thabang Mokwena
11:05 – 11:20Zikhona MagaxeniTebogo Motsemme
11:20 – 11:40Thelma KadiramwandoWilson Marema Seleka
11:40 – 12:00Kevin Tshivheano NetshivhongweniMbonzhe Luccile
12:00 – 12:10BreakBreak

12:10 to 12:40 | Panel Discussion

Facilitator: Dr Mopeli Khama

Panellists: Dayanandan Naidoo (TIA), Ian Chauke (Universal Coal), Prof Mmantsae Diale (University of Pretoria), Rebecca Sebelebele (Gold Fields), Ndivhuwo Shumbula (Mintek, TBC)

12:40 – 13:30 | Lunch

13:30 to 15:20 | Parallel Session 4: Emerging Technologies (Level 14) and Parallel Session 5: Sustainability & Circular Economy (G4 Meeting Room)

TimeEmerging Technologies — Level 14Sustainability & Circular Economy — G4 Meeting Room
13:30 – 13:50Keynote: Dr Annelize BotesKeynote: Prof Linda Godfrey
13:50 – 14:10Sibahle NgwenyaNemakanga Selby
14:10 – 14:30Andile Faith MazibukoLindokuhle Magagula
14:30 – 14:50Kganya MonarengPhasha Mmapule
14:50 – 15:10Colani John MasinaNjabulo Sondezi
15:10 – 15:20BreakBreak

15:20 to 16:10 | Graduate Finalist Hackathon Pitches

  • 15:20 – 15:30 | Hackathon Pitch 1
  • 15:30 – 15:40 | Hackathon Pitch 2
  • 15:40 – 15:50 | Hackathon Pitch 3
  • 15:50 – 16:00 | Hackathon Pitch 4
  • 16:00 – 16:10 | Hackathon Pitch 5

16:10 – 16:30 | Awards

16:30 – 16:35 | Closing by Dr Pumza Zweni

16:35 onwards | Networking Session

Symposium Speakers

  • Margreth Tadie — Keynote Speaker, Critical Minerals
  • Prof Mkhulu Mathe — Keynote Speaker, Energy
  • Dr Annelize Botes — Keynote Speaker, Emerging Technologies
  • Prof Linda Godfrey — Keynote Speaker, Sustainability & Circular Economy
  • Dr Molefi Motuku — Chief Executive Officer, Mintek
  • Dr Mopeli Khama — Panel Facilitator
  • Dayanandan Naidoo, Tandokazi Nquma Moyo, Ian Chauke, Prof Mmantsae Diale, Rebecca Sebelebele, Ndivhuwo Shumbula
  • Presenters: Mashanyu Makatu, Casius Thabang Mokwena, Zikhona Magaxeni, Tebogo Motsemme, Thelma Kadiramwando, Wilson Marema Seleka, Kevin Tshivheano Netshivhongweni, Mbonzhe Luccile, Sibahle Ngwenya, Nemakanga Selby, Andile Faith Mazibuko, Lindokuhle Magagula, Kganya Monareng, Phasha Mmapule, Colani John Masina, Njabulo Sondezi, Dr Pumza Zweni