Inspiring the next generation: Morupule Coal Mine hosts geology students from The University of Botswana

Morupule Coal Mine (MCM) welcomed a cohort of 4th year  undergraduate students from the University of Botswana's Geology  Department for a guided educational tour aimed at bridging academic  learning with practical industry experience. Hosted by the Geology  Section, the initiative offered students a unique opportunity to engage  with real-world mining operations and to interact with practicing  geoscientists in a professional environment.

The visit began with a tour of MCM’s Opencast operations, where  students were introduced to the geological history of the region and the  processes involved in coal formation and extraction. The site visit  provided a practical context for classroom theories,  as MCM Geologists unpacked the challenges around the coal resource, the  mining methods and coal production from an operational perspective.

The tour proceeded to the Core Shed, an essential facility for  geological analysis where students gained firsthand exposure to core  logging procedures and interpretation techniques. Drill core samples  were used to illustrate how coal seams are identified,  characterised and utilised in guiding mining decisions. The students  actively engaged in discussions, asked insightful questions, and  demonstrated a strong interest in the practical aspects of geological  work.  

The tour left a lasting impression on the students many of whom  conveyed their excitement and appreciation, describing the experience as  both enlightening and inspiring. Feedback from the students highlighted  their appreciation for the exposure, describing  the tour as both enlightening and motivational.

Beyond its technical focus, the educational tour forms part of  MCM’s ongoing commitment to stakeholder engagement, underpinned by the  organisation’s core value of 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙁𝙤𝙘𝙪𝙨. By  supporting the development of future professionals,  MCM continues to contribute meaningfully to the growth of Botswana’s  geoscientific capacity and the broader mining sector.

By facilitating such initiatives, Morupule Coal Mine reaffirms its role  as a responsible corporate citizen and an active partner in national  development. The educational tour served not only as a learning  platform, but also as a celebration of knowledge-sharing,  mentorship and the promising future of Botswana’s mining industry.