Great academic opportunities in Namibia

In my conversation with Prof. John Ralston he enthused about his work in Namibia "a very important country in Africa, which has the potential to set an example for the rest of the continent".

He has been helping the Polytechnic of Namibia (PoN) to transform to the Namibia University of Science and Technology, by working with the Vice-Chancellor and the Head of Mining and Process Engineering to assist in the new University's engagement with industry and government, and to organise the research and undergraduate activities. The PoN currently has over 13000 students. Within the Faculties of Engineering and Science, the intention is to create a critical mass of expertise, which will hopefully become a resource for the minerals industry in Namibia.

The work is now coming to fruition, and it was good to see key academic posts now being advertised in the MEI Online Job Vacancies section. The Department of Mining and Process Engineering (DMPE) is recruiting highly capable individuals for various academic posts who are able to fit within a vibrant, highly cooperative team. The aim is to attract energetic individuals who will participate in establishing the DMPE as a leading force in minerals education and research in Southern Africa.

At a time when mineral processing departments are slowly disappearing in the western world it is great to see this initiative in such a beautiful country (see Exploring Namibia). John Ralston feels that "it is a great opportunity for keen, clever people to make a real contribution."