Evander Gold Mining

About Evander Gold Mining

Evander Gold Mine, usually called Evander Mines, is an underground gold operation near the town of Evander in Mpumalanga. Gold has been mined in the area for decades. Harmony Gold bought the operation in 1998. Pan African Resources, a mid-tier gold producer headquartered in Johannesburg and listed in Johannesburg and London, took it over in 2013 for about R1.5 billion.

The mine has had a testing recent history. The older 8 Shaft underground operation closed in 2018, and roughly 1,700 jobs were lost. Pan African then looked at ways to keep mining going. Today the operation is built around the 8 Shaft Pillar and the Egoli project at 7 Shaft, which the company has described as among the lower-cost underground gold projects in the country.

How Evander Mines supports students

Mines need engineers and geologists to run safely and profitably. Qualified people in these fields are hard to find, particularly outside the big cities. For that reason, Evander Mines offers a bursary to grow its own future staff. The bursary has been advertised for students enrolled in a BSc in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or geology. Published details say it covers tuition, accommodation, meals, textbooks and a monthly stipend. It also gives students access to vacation work at the mine, which is valuable. Real underground experience helps you decide whether the industry suits you, and it helps employers get to know you.

Funding of this kind can change the course of a family's life. A mining bursary can open the door to a well-paid technical career, and graduates in engineering and geology also keep options in other industries.

What to know before applying

Applicants are generally expected to be South African citizens who are already studying. You should show strong academic results and, in many cases, financial need. A typical application includes a detailed CV, your latest academic record, a copy of your ID and proof of registration. The closing date moves each year, and in recent cycles it fell around the middle of the year. Therefore, check the current advert and the Pan African Resources website before you plan your application.

Service conditions are not confirmed here. Many mining bursaries ask recipients to work for the company for a period after graduating. Ask the mine for the exact terms, and read your contract in full before signing. Lastly, prepare for a career that involves shift work, safety training and time away from big cities. If you enjoy hands-on technical problems, that trade-off may suit you well. Strong marks in mathematics and physical science also help.