Overview

The DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Integrated Mineral and Energy Resource Analysis (CIMERA) is a research initiative between the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the National Research Foundation (NRF). Its primary focus is on conducting high-quality economic geology research on mineral and fossil fuel resources, not only in South Africa but throughout Africa. CIMERA is hosted by the Department of Geology at the University of Johannesburg and co-hosted by the School of Geosciences at the University of the Witwatersrand, with funding contributions from both universities. CIMERA is a collaborative effort involving scientists from various South African universities, as well as international institutions. This partnership aims to create an environment conducive to mineral and energy resource studies, with access to world-class research facilities and close cooperation with local and international geoscience research institutions. The research focus of CIMERA is particularly significant for South Africa, given its abundant mineral resources, including gold, chromium, manganese, vanadium, zirconium, platinum-group elements, iron, and coal. However, the research also holds relevance for all of Africa as the continent faces growing demand for bulk commodities like iron, manganese, and bauxite, with the need for long-term sustainable extraction strategies. CIMERA's main goal is to serve as a central hub for research and human resource development in mineral and energy resource analysis in Africa. It aims to train and develop a skilled workforce to support the mineral and energy resource industries in South Africa and the broader African region, and to educate the public about the utilization of resources and the geosciences as a whole.