Careers in Earth Sciences/The challenge to the mining industry and geologists

摘要

After the discovery of diamonds in 1866 and gold in 1871, it was soon realized that South Africa was a treasure chest of mineral wealth. Prospectors and geologists played an extremely important role in the development and prosperity of the country with people like Alex du Toit and Hans Merensky (see the "bits 'n' pieces" article on the Merensky Reef in this issue, as well) becoming world famous. The exceptional growth in the mining industry in Southern Africa created the need for a professional work force which in turn provided the opportunity for the establishment of numerous academic institutions in the mining, metallurgical and geological fields. Today a total of twelve universities and 2 technikons teach geoscience as a major course while several institutions focus on earth science research.