Assmang

About Assmang

Assmang is a South African mining company that Assore Limited and African Rainbow Minerals own jointly. It was established in 1935 to mine and market manganese and iron ore. Its two main operations are in the Northern Cape. Black Rock Mine Operations lies in the Kalahari manganese field, around 80 km north-west of Kuruman. Khumani Mine is a large iron ore operation in the same province.

Both mines are in remote areas. Skilled people are hard to find there, so Assmang invests in training and education. The company also works with local municipalities, such as Ga-Segonyana, to bring funding to nearby communities.

How Assmang supports students

Assmang offers bursaries through its operating mines. The Khumani programme supports mining-related studies such as mining engineering, mechanical engineering and mine surveying. A recent call also welcomed students in other fields who plan a career in mining. Preference went to residents of the John Taolo Gaetsewe District.

The Black Rock programme has funded fields such as mining engineering, rock engineering and industrial engineering. Recent partnership bursaries with the Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality have been much broader. They cover commerce, social sciences, engineering, geology, health sciences and town planning, but only for students who live in that municipality.

Benefits listed in recent adverts include registration and tuition fees, textbooks, a laptop, accommodation, meals and a monthly allowance. However, packages differ between mines and years, so each call for applications sets out its own list.

What to know before applying

Applicants are normally South African citizens aged 18 to 35 who have finished matric. They study full time at an accredited public institution. Some programmes ask for proof of financial need and for a minimum level in Mathematics and Physical Science. Documents usually include a certified ID, matric results, academic records, proof of acceptance, proof of residence and a CV. Assmang's public material does not clearly state a work-back period or a guarantee of a job. Therefore, ask about any service obligation before you accept an offer. In addition, closing dates are usually in the last quarter of the year, but they change. Check the official Assmang website or the advert for the mine you are targeting, and apply early. Applicants from the Kuruman and Hotazel area have a particular advantage, because several programmes give preference to local residents. Even so, students from elsewhere can still apply to some calls. Strong marks in Mathematics and Physical Sciences help for technical fields. Finally, a clear motivation that explains your interest in mining will make your application stand out.