Imerys

About Imerys in South Africa

Imerys is a global specialty minerals group, and its refractory business has a strong footprint in South Africa. Imerys Refractory Minerals South Africa mines and processes raw materials at operations in Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Customers in the steel, cement, foundry and glass industries use these products at home and abroad.

Mining and mineral processing depend on people with specialised skills. For that reason, the company runs a bursary programme to build a pipeline of qualified graduates for its own sites and for the wider mining sector.

How Imerys supports students

The Imerys Refractory Bursary supports degree and diploma studies at South African tertiary institutions. Priority fields include chemistry, engineering, environmental science, geology, health and safety, production and metallurgy. Support may also extend to mining-related studies such as accounting, human resources, logistics and supply chain.

The funding is aimed at academically deserving students, especially those from poor backgrounds. It lifts some of the financial burden of tertiary education so that recipients can focus on their studies. The exact value of each award is not published on the official pages we could confirm, so applicants should ask Imerys directly about what a bursary covers.

Local communities are a clear focus. Awards go first to employees and to the children and dependants of employees. Students living near the Limpopo operations in Thabazimbi, Skierlik, Smashblock and Northam are also eligible. In some years, preference has been given to students from Mashishini and the Lydenburg area in Mpumalanga. Dependants and community members may be asked to complete experiential learning with the company as part of their funding.

What to know before applying

Applicants generally need to be in matric or to have completed it. They must also plan to study at a South African tertiary institution. Because the call for applications changes from year to year, always check the current requirements before you start.

Typical supporting documents include a certified copy of your ID, your matric results, proof of residence, a motivational letter and a CV. Students who are already at university should add their academic record and a fees statement. Applications have usually been sent by email, with a set subject line. Closing dates have fallen around late November, so start early and keep every document certified and up to date.

Write your motivational letter with care. Explain which qualification you plan to study, why it suits mining or mineral processing, and how you will use the skills. Keep it short, honest and specific.

Imerys does not publish a formal work-back period for this bursary, and no binding service obligation could be confirmed. As a result, you should not assume a guaranteed job after graduation. However, the company is a natural future employer for graduates in mining, processing and related fields, especially if you live near its operations. Check the official Imerys website for the latest notice and the correct contact details.