Marula Platinum

About Marula Platinum

Marula Platinum is a platinum group metals mine on the eastern limb of the Bushveld Igneous Complex. It lies about 35 kilometres north-west of Burgersfort in Limpopo's Sekhukhune area. Impala Platinum Holdings, known as Implats, owns 73% of the mine. Black economic empowerment partners hold the remaining 27%.

The mine is one of the operations that opened up the eastern limb of the Bushveld Complex. It supplies platinum, palladium and related metals to the wider Implats group. As a result, its skills needs reflect mining, processing and support functions across the group.

How Marula Platinum supports students

Marula funds its bursary as part of its Social and Labour Plan. Mining law requires companies to invest in human resource development and in the communities that host them. For that reason, the bursary is reserved for students from the communities near the mine.

Recent intakes have covered chemical, electrical, mechanical, metallurgical and mining engineering, as well as geology, mining survey and human resources. The award pays registration and tuition fees, residence accommodation and meals. It also includes a cash allowance and mentorship, and second-year students have received a personal computer. Recipients may also get vacation work and internships at the mine.

Funded students have studied at universities named in the call, including the University of Cape Town, the University of Johannesburg, the University of Pretoria, North-West University in Potchefstroom, Wits and the University of Limpopo. Check the current list, because it can change.

Mining careers need long preparation. A bursary student typically spends several years at university before reaching the mine, so the programme looks years ahead. Vacation work lets students see the operation at first hand early on. Mentorship also helps them build confidence before they enter the workplace.

What to know before applying

The 2026 call asked for a matric certificate with university exemption and at least a C in English, Mathematics and Physical Science. Current university students needed an overall average of 60%. Applicants had to be medically fit, and preference went to candidates from designated groups under the Employment Equity Act. The closing date for that intake was 9 January 2026, so expect an early-January deadline in future years.

No application form was required. Instead, applicants sent certified copies of their ID, matric certificate, academic record, proof of acceptance and proof of residence.

Marula's own material describes graduates as possibly eligible for jobs at the operation. However, this depends on performance and open positions. The bursary is not presented as a bonded work-back contract, so do not assume automatic employment when you finish. Read the offer letter closely.