Our students are exposed to the practical application of chemical and metallurgical engineering concepts in our laboratories that house a variety of bench and pilot scale chemical and metallurgical equipment, which mimic production plants. The laboratories also host world-class analytical instruments for chemical, mineralogical and metallurgical testing, utilised for teaching and research purposes. In the postgraduate level, we offer the master’s (NQF Level 9) and the doctoral (NQF Level 10) degrees, with a dissertation and thesis, respectively. These postgraduate degrees are designed to develop specialized research skills in mineral processing, physical metallurgy, pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, manufacturing, materials science, nanotechnology, water management, and renewable energy to develop high-level, industry-ready skills.

Our Professors, Associate Professors, Senior Lecturers, Lecturers, Technologists and Technicians take research leadership in these fields together with collaborators from research institutions, other universities and companies across the mining, chemical and metallurgical industries. The Department remains firmly positioned as one of the youngest yet highly performing research active units within the Faculty of Engineering and Technology. We offer an integrated curriculum that seeks to address sustainable development goals through research by our academic staff members and advise from our stakeholders. This curriculum is based on scientific and engineering principles and the applied in laboratory experiments that are based on real industry problems.

Chemical Technicians/Technologists, Process operators, Production specialists, and Laboratory technician/analysts, Technical Sales/Service Representative, In-Service Trainee/Intern, Process Technician/Operator, Production Supervisor/Assistant Process Technician/Controller, Extractive Metallurgist, Physical Metallurgist/Materials Engineer, Metallurgical Technician, Metallurgical Technologist, Plant Metallurgist, Quality Control Inspector, Laboratory Metallurgist, Technical Sales Representative

Upon completion of the theoretical component of studies, are placed in engineering industry for work-integrated learning (WIL) by co-operative education department of the university.

The Department supports student success through quality teaching and learning offered by adequately qualified and skilled teaching staff.

The current research focus lies mineral processing, physical metallurgy, pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, manufacturing, materials science, water management and bioprocressing.

The Social and Outreach Committee (SOC) within the Department serves as a dynamic bridge between the Department of CME and society, fostering an engaged, compassionate, and socially responsible engineering community that strengthens partnerships, promotes student well-being, and uplifts society through impactful outreach and meaningful human connection – serving to meet the University’s commitment to community development and engagement as outlined in its mission and strategic goals.

Our academics are high performers and self-motivated in teaching and research activities. The Department boasts 5 Professors, 4 Doctoral Degrees holders with teaching staff holding a minimum of a Masters degrees. Postgraduate degree students consists library and research sources accessibility, funding instruments, research writing workshops and collaboration opportunities. In such an environment, two options exists, either become a student or a supervisor.

Prospective students are encouraged to the Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering to experience learner-centered education and training for the exciting world of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering.

Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering

We welcome you to the Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, a dynamic and innovative academic department driven by highly qualified and experienced staff members, including Professors, Associate Professors, Senior Lecturers, Lecturers, Technologists, and Technicians.

The Department is committed to producing techno-entrepreneurial graduates and innovators who will contribute meaningfully to digitally smart, sustainable industrial development and socio-economic transformation. Our vision is centred on learning, innovation, and research that support sustainable industrial progress for both our students and society at large. We are dedicated to fostering excellence in chemical and metallurgical engineering through high-quality teaching, learning, research, and innovation.

Academic Programmes

The Department offers the following qualifications:

Undergraduate Programmes

• Extended Diploma (NQF Level 5)
• Diploma (NQF Level 6)
• Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
• Postgraduate Diploma (NQF Level 8)

The NQF Level 6 and Level 7 programmes are accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) through a rigorous quality assurance process to ensure compliance with both local and international standards.

Our undergraduate programmes are carefully designed to produce industry-ready graduates in the following fields:

• Chemical Engineering
• Metallurgical Engineering

Students gain practical exposure through well-equipped laboratories that house bench-scale and pilot-scale chemical and metallurgical equipment simulating real production plants. These laboratories also contain world-class analytical instruments used for chemical, mineralogical, and metallurgical testing for both teaching and research purposes.

Postgraduate Programmes

At postgraduate level, the Department offers:

• Master’s Degree (NQF Level 9)
• Doctoral Degree (NQF Level 10)

These qualifications are research-based and are aimed at developing specialised research skills in:

• Mineral Processing
• Physical Metallurgy
• Pyrometallurgy
• Hydrometallurgy
• Manufacturing
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Water Management
• Renewable Energy
• Bioprocessing

Research and Innovation

Our academic staff members provide research leadership in collaboration with research institutions, universities, and industry partners across the mining, chemical, and metallurgical sectors. Despite being one of the youngest departments within the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, the Department has established itself as a highly productive and research-active unit.

We offer an integrated curriculum grounded in scientific and engineering principles, with laboratory experiments and research activities focused on solving real industry challenges and addressing sustainable development goals.

Career Opportunities

Graduates from the Department can pursue careers as:

• Chemical Technicians/Technologists
• Process Operators
• Production Specialists
• Laboratory Technicians/Analysts
• Technical Sales and Service Representatives
• In-Service Trainees/Interns
• Process Technicians/Controllers
• Production Supervisors
• Extractive Metallurgists
• Physical Metallurgists/Materials Engineers
• Metallurgical Technicians/Technologists
• Plant Metallurgists
• Quality Control Inspectors
• Laboratory Metallurgists

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL)

Upon completion of the theoretical component of their studies, students are placed in industry for Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) through the University’s Co-operative Education Department. This exposure enhances practical skills and workplace readiness.

Student Support and Development

The Department is committed to student success through quality teaching and learning delivered by adequately qualified and skilled academic staff. The Department currently boasts:

• 5 Professors
• Several Doctoral Degree holders
• Teaching staff with a minimum qualification of a Master’s degree

Postgraduate students benefit from:

• Access to library and research resources
• Funding opportunities
• Research writing workshops
• Collaboration opportunities

In such an intellectually stimulating environment, two paths emerge: becoming a student or becoming a supervisor.

Social Responsibility and Community Engagement

The Department’s Social and Outreach Committee (SOC) serves as a bridge between the Department and society by fostering an engaged, compassionate, and socially responsible engineering community. Through impactful outreach initiatives, student support programmes, and meaningful partnerships, the SOC contributes to the University’s mission of community development and engagement.

Join Us

Prospective students are encouraged to join the Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering and experience learner-centred education and training that prepares graduates for the exciting and evolving world of chemical and metallurgical engineering.