Apply for the Mining Engineering Internship at Imerys Refractory Minerals, Annesley Mine, Burgersfort Penge. Gain 24 months of hands-on experience in mining operations, blasting, production, environmental management, and operational efficiency while developing your professional skills.
Experiential Learning for Aspiring Mining Engineers
For graduates seeking hands-on exposure in the mining sector, the Mining Engineering Internship at Imerys Refractory Minerals (Pty) Ltd provides a unique opportunity to combine academic knowledge with practical industry experience. Located at Annesley Mine in Burgersfort Penge, this 24-month structured internship is tailored for graduates in Mining Engineering or Metallurgy, offering a comprehensive introduction to mining operations, production processes, and environmental management.
The programme is designed to provide experiential learning while granting regulated benefits as per the company’s discretion. Interns gain insight into real-world mining operations, from extraction to final product dispatch, while participating in innovative projects that contribute to operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
About Imerys Refractory Minerals
Imerys Refractory Minerals (Pty) Ltd is a global leader in specialty minerals, providing high-quality raw materials for industrial applications. The company operates mines, processing plants, and research facilities across the world, including South Africa, with a strong focus on sustainability, safety, and continuous operational improvement.
By joining the internship programme, graduates gain exposure to the company’s integrated management systems, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and environmental compliance programs, providing an excellent foundation for a long-term career in mining.
Internship Objectives
The Mining Engineering Internship is designed to:
- Provide graduates with practical, on-the-job experience in mining engineering and metallurgy.
- Offer exposure to blasting, production, environmental management, and operational efficiency.
- Develop technical, analytical, and administrative competencies relevant to mining operations.
- Engage interns in continuous improvement initiatives that enhance quality, services, and processes.
Interns will work under the supervision of a line manager and mentor, ensuring structured guidance and targeted professional growth throughout the 24-month programme.
Key Responsibilities
The Mining Engineering Intern will be involved in multiple operational and technical areas, ensuring exposure across the mining lifecycle. Core responsibilities include:
Technical Support & Operational Management
- Provide technical assistance in the development, implementation, and monitoring of integrated management systems and SOPs.
- Ensure adherence to SOPs and checklists, maintaining proper documentation for all tasks.
- Assist the line manager with major and minor projects, compiling monthly or quarterly reports as required.
- Support operational management focusing on mining, screening, and dispatch processes.
- Monitor production and despatch to ensure alignment with market demand and budget requirements.
- Conduct production debottlenecking and troubleshooting to optimize efficiency.
- Update production schedules on a monthly basis to reflect market and operational needs.
Blasting and Mining Operations
- Participate in blasting operations under supervision, with the opportunity to obtain a blasting certificate.
- Manage and monitor mining tons, overburden tons, diesel consumption, mass balances, and dispatches using SAP administration tools.
- Engage in ROM-to-final product tracking, ensuring accurate operational data capture.
- Contribute to continuous improvement projects aimed at increasing productivity and process efficiency.
Environmental Management & Compliance
Environmental sustainability is a key component of the internship. Interns will:
- Conduct and compile routine environmental compliance inspections and audits against guidelines, legislation, and company authorizations.
- Develop action plans to address non-compliance and implement mitigation measures.
- Coordinate environmental monitoring programs, ensuring accurate record-keeping on the environmental database.
- Participate in rehabilitation planning as per the approved Environmental Management Programme.
- Assist in environmental education, awareness, and training programs for staff and stakeholders.
- Investigate environmental incidents and recommend corrective and preventive actions.
Reporting and Documentation
- Maintain accurate documentation and records for all operational and environmental activities.
- Compile reports that highlight performance metrics, safety compliance, production efficiency, and environmental monitoring outcomes.
- Use reporting to support continuous improvement initiatives within the mine.
Desired Qualifications and Competencies
To qualify for this internship, candidates should meet the following criteria:
- Degree or Diploma in Mining Engineering.
- Blasting certificate or willingness to obtain one.
- Competent A certificate or preparedness to acquire it.
- Proof of residence.
- Minimum competency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
- No previous internship or formal work experience is required.
- Historically disadvantaged South African applicants are encouraged to apply.
- Unendorsed driver’s licence.
These requirements ensure interns are academically prepared, safety-conscious, and ready to engage in a professional mining environment.
Benefits of the Internship
- Hands-on experience in operational mining, production management, environmental compliance, and data analysis.
- Exposure to innovative mining processes and continuous improvement projects.
- Opportunity to obtain a blasting certificate and other certifications relevant to mining operations.
- Development of technical, administrative, and reporting skills applicable to the mining industry.
- Mentorship and guidance from experienced mining engineers and environmental specialists.
- Career foundation for future opportunities in mining, engineering, or environmental management sectors.
Career Development Opportunities
Interns completing the 24-month programme gain:
- Practical experience that enhances employability in the mining and engineering sectors.
- Competency in SAP administration and operational reporting.
- Exposure to the full mining cycle from extraction to product dispatch.
- Knowledge in environmental sustainability and compliance management.
- Ability to contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, demonstrating innovation and problem-solving skills.
This structured programme positions graduates for long-term careers in mining engineering, metallurgical operations, or environmental management within the resources sector.
How to Apply
Interested candidates can apply through the Imerys Refractory Minerals careers portal. Applicants should ensure they meet all eligibility criteria and submit the required documents, including:
- Proof of academic qualifications
- Proof of residence
- Valid driver’s licence
Applications are evaluated on merit, with consideration for historically disadvantaged South Africans.
Final Thoughts
The Mining Engineering Internship at Imerys Refractory Minerals is an unparalleled opportunity for graduates to gain immersive, hands-on experience in the mining industry. The structured 24-month programme equips interns with essential technical, operational, and environmental management skills, while providing exposure to real-world mining challenges.
Graduates who successfully complete the internship leave with professional experience, practical certifications, and the confidence to pursue a meaningful career in mining engineering, production management, or environmental compliance, making this internship a critical stepping stone in their professional journey.
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