Epiroc South Africa (Pty) Ltd. and the University of Pretoria formalized their commitment to fostering collaborative initiatives with the signing of a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The MoU formalizes the cooperation between Epiroc South Africa and the University of Pretoria through its Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (EBIT) to establish an Epiroc Academic and Research Forum.
“The objectives of this landmark agreement are to promote the academic and professional development of students and graduates of the faculty and to improve the profile of professionals in the mining field for their subsequent job placement,” explains Wynand van Straten, Regional Business Line Manager – Surface and Exploration Drilling at Epiroc South Africa.
Under the terms outlined in the MoU, this will be achieved through:
1. Educational training activities provided by Epiroc specialists.
2. Development of lines of research of common interest.
3. Preferential advice and information on research projects.
4. Organisation of seminars, conferences, master classes, courses and technical visits.
“The creation of this Epiroc Academic and Research Forum marks the beginning of a strategic partnership between the corporate and educational entities,” says Angel Tobar, Strategic Director of University Partnerships, Epiroc. “This collaborative endeavour further strengthens our unwavering commitment to advancing quality education in the Southern Africa region, fostering innovation, collaboration and academic excellence,” concludes Tobar.
Professor Stephan Heyns from the Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Pretoria, explained that Epiroc and the University of Pretoria envisage to explore a wide range of challenges in the mining industry: “These may include topics such as the development of digital twinning in mining, collision awareness and prevention and battery electric drives. Young engineers find topics such as these very interesting and I expect that the Epiroc Forum will very meaningfully contribute towards the development of specialist human resources in mining in South Africa”.
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Photo Caption: From left: Prof Wynand Steyn, Dean – Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology and Angel Tobar, Strategic Director of University Partnerships at Epiroc
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Epiroc is a global productivity partner for mining and construction customers, and accelerates the transformation toward a sustainable society.
With ground-breaking technology, Epiroc develops and provides innovative and safe equipment, such as drill rigs, rock excavation and construction equipment and tools for surface and underground applications. The company also offers world-class service and other aftermarket support as well as solutions for automation, digitalization and electrification. Epiroc is based in Stockholm, Sweden, had revenues of around SEK 64 billion in 2024, and has almost 19 000 passionate employees supporting and collaborating with customers in around 150 countries. Learn more at www.epirocgroup.com
