Anglo Kumba Iron Ore

About Kumba Iron Ore

Kumba Iron Ore is one of the world's larger iron ore exporters and a member of the Anglo American group. It listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in November 2006, after Kumba Resources was reorganised. Its head office is in Centurion, Gauteng, and its mines sit in the Northern Cape. The best known are Sishen near Kathu and Kolomela near Postmasburg.

The ore travels by rail to the port at Saldanha Bay in the Western Cape, where ships carry it to steelmakers abroad. Because of this chain of mining, rail and port work, Kumba employs many different kinds of professionals. Mining, metallurgical, electrical, mechanical and civil engineers all keep the operations running.

How Kumba supports students

Kumba runs a bursary programme to train that talent early. Recent calls have targeted mining engineering, metallurgical engineering, heavy-current electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering and civil engineering. The company has also funded geology at Honours level and minerals surveying at BTech level. Fields change between intakes, so check the current advert for the exact list.

The bursary is described as comprehensive. It has covered tuition fees, book fees, accommodation and paid vacation work. All vacation work takes place at Kumba operations in the Northern Cape. As a result, students gain practical mining experience while they study, and they learn how a working mine fits together.

What to know before applying

Kumba looks for candidates with an excellent academic record. School-leavers applying for a degree have needed achievement level 6 or 7 in pure Mathematics and Physical Sciences, and level 5 in English. BTech applicants have needed level 5 in Mathematics and Science, plus level 5 in English. Applicants should also be South African citizens, and they should check each advert for age and citizenship rules.

Preference has been given to learners from communities near the Sishen, Kolomela and Thabazimbi mines. For example, a matric learner from Kathu or Postmasburg may receive extra consideration. However, students from elsewhere are still welcome to apply, and the Northern Cape vacation placements are open to them.

Past calls closed around mid-September for study in the following year. Dates, amounts and numbers of awards vary, so read the latest notice on the official website before you start. Also ask whether the bursary carries a work-back period after graduation. The pages we reviewed did not confirm one, and a signed contract will state the exact terms.

Finally, apply early and keep your documents ready. These usually include a certified ID copy, matric results and any university academic record. A clear, honest application that shows interest in mining gives you the best chance.