Celebrating youth excellence in science, technology and innovation
This Youth Month, under the theme "Actively embracing the socio-economic gains of our democracy", we mark 48 years since the student uprising against the Bantu Education Act. During June, the Department of Science and Innovation will showcase some of the increasing number of talented young scientists and researchers that have emerged in the science system in the 30 years since our first democratic election.
Xolile Carol Simelane
Meet Xolile Carol Simelane, who is pursuing a PhD in Geology at the University of the Witwatersrand.
Inspired by climate activists such as Greta Thunberg, Simelane's passion for environmental conservation led her to focus her research on the valorisation of mine waste by way of a study on reprocessing mine waste from the Witwatersrand goldfield mine, such as tailings and low-grade ores, using cyanide-free (environmentally friendly) reagents.
Simelane's study approach is centred around promoting the re-mining of mine waste with a circular economic view. She is currently working on designing a predictive geometallurgical workflow that includes ore characterisation, beneficiation and repurposing of Wits gold legacy tailings.
The success of this study could have broader implications for similar gold mining regions globally, offering a blueprint for sustainable resource recovery.
"I draw my inspiration from my previous work experience in the mining industry and working with mine waste is privilege. My interest in this research is driven by a need for solutions that result in both economic and environmental sustainability in South Africa's mining industry," she says.
The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and Minerals Council South Africa are funding her research work through the Mandela Mining Precinct (MMP), a public-private partnership formulated by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research on behalf of the DSI.
The MMP works with researchers within different institutes such as the Wits Mining Institute (where Simelane's project is based) as research partners. Her project falls under the Real-time Information Management Systems (RTIMS) Research centre, a portfolio within Wits Mining Institute.
"The MMP will ensure that my research findings are communicated to the mining industry, community and the government. We are all capable of making our world a better place, in whatever sphere of influence we find ourselves," says Simelane.
