Northam Platinum

About Northam Platinum

Northam Platinum Holdings is a South African producer of platinum group metals (PGMs), and its shares trade on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The group operates the Zondereinde mine in Limpopo and the Booysendal mine in Mpumalanga. Booysendal belongs to a wholly owned subsidiary, Booysendal Platinum (Pty) Ltd.

Booysendal lies on the border of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, close to Mashishing (Lydenburg), Roossenekal and Steelpoort. It is one of the newer, lower-cost and more mechanised platinum operations in the Bushveld Complex.

How Northam supports students

A modern, mechanised mine needs skilled engineers, geologists and surveyors. Northam therefore funds bursaries through its Booysendal operation. The aim is to build a pipeline of technical talent, help financially disadvantaged students, and create a more diverse workforce in mining.

The Northam Booysendal Platinum Bursary does not run on a fixed list every year. Recent calls offered a small number of awards in fields such as mining engineering, electrical or mechanical engineering, geology, metallurgy, mine survey and human resources. For example, one recent round advertised only three bursaries. Competition for each place is high.

Published adverts have not always stated what the bursary pays for. As a result, applicants should read the current notice for details on fees, accommodation and allowances. If the advert is unclear, ask the company through the contact listed in it.

Who qualifies

Preference goes to students who live in the surrounding communities of Mashishing, Roossenekal and Steelpoort. People from other areas may still apply. You should be in matric or have finished it, and you need to study at an accredited South African tertiary institution.

For technical fields, strong results in Mathematics and Physical Science matter. A recent advert asked for at least 60% in both subjects and 50% for a language. Students already at university needed a 60% average in their major subjects. Requirements can change, so check each year.

What to know before applying

Northam usually asks for applications by email rather than through a formal form. A recent advert asked for certified copies of your ID, results, matric certificate, proof of registration and transcripts, plus a CV with a community stamp. The subject line had to carry the reference number printed in the advert.

Closing dates fall around the middle of the year. Only shortlisted candidates normally receive feedback, often within a few weeks, and some awards depend on final matric results. Whether a work-back period applies is not confirmed here, so confirm it in the official advert before you apply.

Zondereinde, the group's other mine, is a deep-level operation near Thabazimbi in Limpopo. Together the two mines give Northam a wide range of technical jobs, from rock engineering to metallurgy, which explains the range of fields in its calls.