Following the landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the University of South Africa (Unisa) and Palabora Copper (PC), a subsidiary of the Palabora Mining Company (PMC), in April 2024, the recent Unisa autumn graduation ceremonies marked a significant milestone in the partnership.

Aidan Schoonbee, Senior Executive Manager for Concentrator, Underground Construction and Value Improvement Practices at PMC, graduated with a Master of Engineering degree with distinction from Unisa. Schoonbee completed his research under the supervision of Prof Francois Mulenga from the Department of Mining, Minerals and Geomatics Engineering in Unisa's College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET).

Among the objectives of the MoU are the development of innovative solutions to operational challenges in the mine, collaboration on industry-related research, and the provision of access to world-class postgraduate qualifications for Palabora Copper employees. Schoonbee's graduation is a tangible outcome of these commitments. His master's research project, conducted at PMC and supervised through Unisa, explored whether innovation at Palabora Mining Company could be enhanced by encouraging employees, particularly those on the shop floor, to generate and register ideas. A key requirement was that these ideas be tested using readily available workplace resources.

The study addressed three key research questions:

• How innovative can a typical South African mining organisation be, using Palabora Mining Company as a case study?
• Where do innovative ideas and associated solutions originate within mining organisations?
• What types of innovation are most likely to emerge from mining companies?

The research generated several practical recommendations and applications to strengthen the Value Improvement Practices (VIP) programme at Palabora Copper Mine.

Reflecting on the partnership, Schoonbee explained that his involvement in establishing the collaboration was the catalyst that reignited his ambition to pursue postgraduate studies. "The desire had always been there, but the partnership brought it back into focus and made it seem attainable," he said.

As an established executive in the mining industry, Schoonbee chose to pursue a postgraduate qualification to enhance his skills further while demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning. "I need to lead others by example and try to motivate my subordinates and peers to be the best version of themselves," he added.

Schoonbee also highlighted the broader impact of the partnership on employee development with the mine. Under the MoU, PMC has provided bursary funding to 13 research scholars, forming the inaugural postgraduate cohort. This investment ensures that more graduates emerge from the partnership in the coming years.

Commenting on Schoonbee's achievement, Mulenga said: "Aidan Schoonbee's graduation is the culmination of one of several industry-based research projects currently being conducted by Unisa-registered students at Palabora Mining Company. Several other research projects under this MoU are now reaching maturity."

In closing, Schoonbee offered words of encouragement to current and prospective postgraduate students: "A postgraduate qualification is a marathon, not a sprint. Maintain steady progress; don’t rush it and then become exhausted. Expect to feel a little frustrated towards the end of your journey. Consistency will win every time, so trust the process."

Click here to read more about Unisa's MoU with PMC.

* By Dr Nozipho N. Madzivha, Acting Communication and Marketing Specialist, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, and Lindelwa Makhanya, Administrative Officer, Department of Mining, Minerals and Geomatics Engineering