Exxaro Resources today formalised a strategic partnership with the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) and Lephalale TVET College through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening skills development, advancing education, and building a future-ready workforce for the mining sector.

The MoU underscores a shared commitment between industry, education, and statutory bodies to align training with evolving industry demands, expand access to learning opportunities, and drive inclusive socio-economic development, particularly in mining communities such as Lephalale, which are in Exxaro Resources’ sphere of influence.

This partnership is anchored in Exxaro’s Sustainable Growth and Impact strategy, which places people, partnerships, and long-term value creation at the centre of its business. Education remains a key strategic pillar of our social impact agenda, reflecting our belief that empowering individuals with relevant skills is fundamental to unlocking sustainable growth.

As the mining sector continues to evolve driven by technological advancements, energy transition imperatives, and shifting economic dynamics, the need for a skilled, adaptable, and future-ready workforce has never been greater. Through this collaboration, the three institutions aim to bridge the gap between education and industry by creating clear pathways from training to employment.

Additionally, the partnership also builds on the long-standing relationship between Exxaro and the MQA, which dates back to 2006 when Exxaro Resources was first listed on the JSE. Exxaro maintains a strong, compliant relationship with MQA, submitting annual workplace skills plans and training reports to align with Mining Charter III requirements. Exxaro’s accredited training centres, such as Grovos in Lephalale, Limpopo and Colliery Training College in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga (where Exxaro is a shareholder), provide MQA-certified training to ensure high skills development standards in engineering and mining disciplines. Over the years, this collaboration has delivered meaningful outcomes, including:

• Supporting 1,553 learners through bursaries and apprenticeships over the years
• Facilitating 617 engineering-specific learnerships and;
• Securing over R206 million in MQA grants between 2022 and 2025

Lephalale TVET College continues to play a vital role as a regional hub for technical and vocational education, equipping students with practical, industry-aligned competencies. Through this MoU, the college’s contribution will be further strengthened, enabling greater collaboration in curriculum alignment, experiential learning, and workplace readiness.

“This Memorandum of Understanding represents a powerful alignment between industry, education, and skills development. One that is essential for shaping a resilient and future-ready workforce. As Exxaro, we recognise that our long-term sustainability is deeply linked to the development of our people. Through this partnership, we are not only investing in skills but in the potential of individuals and the future and prosperity of communities. As we mark 20 years of Exxaro’s existence under the organising principle of ‘Impact Beyond the Surface,’ we are proud to deepen our commitment to creating opportunities that extend far beyond our operations, and into the lives of our stakeholders who we partner and collaborate with,” said Neo Monareng, Exxaro’s Executive Head of Sustainability. Another highlight of this partnership is the activation of the Ga Seleka Multipurpose Centre in Lephalale, Limpopo. While Exxaro has funded the construction of the centre, which will be completed by the end of 2026, the MQA and Lephalale TVET College will provide the industry-led management and technical training necessary to ensure the facility’s long-term sustainability. This centre is specifically designed to address unemployment among youth, women, and people living with disabilities,” she said.

The MoU reflects a shared vision to ensure that as the mining sector grows and transforms, it does so inclusively, bringing communities along and creating sustainable pathways to economic participation. The critical focus areas include just transition skills, institutional strengthening through lecturer development and learner support, as well as workplace-integrated learning.

Exxaro’s Grootegeluk Mine was this month recognised by the MQA for Excellence in Artisan Development, particularly for its success in transitioning learners into permanent employment and enabling career progression through promotions, demonstrating the tangible impact of sustained investment in skills development.