The University of Pretoria (UP) and African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) have announced the official opening of the UP-ARM Virtual Conference Centre, aimed at enhancing collaboration between academia and industry.

“This innovative centre will empower staff and students to connect and engage virtually with local and international institutions of higher learning, academic communities, research organisations and industry leaders,” said UP Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (EBIT) Faculty dean Professor Wynand JvdM Steyn this week.

By fostering collaboration, the virtual centre is designed to enrich students’ educational experiences and facilitate the rapid exchange of information and data, ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality results.

It will also serve as a collaborative space for various departments within the faculties of EBIT and Natural and Agricultural Sciences (NAS), enabling high-tech meetings, workshops and seminars that enhance engagement among staff, students and industry partners.

Key departments within these faculties, which include Geology (NAS), Mining Engineering (EBIT), Minerals Science and Metallurgical Engineering (EBIT) and Mechanical Engineering (EBIT), and which host more than 150 postgraduate students, will benefit from this facility.

By providing access to cutting-edge technology, the UP-ARM Virtual Centre aims to modernise academic research and industry applications, enabling more effective collaboration between students, faculty members and industry leaders.

“The UP-ARM Virtual Centre exemplifies the spirit of partnership and innovation that defines our collaboration with ARM. This facility will not only enhance our teaching and research capabilities but will also empower our students to engage meaningfully with industry,” NAS Faculty dean Professor Barend Erasmus said.

ARM Ferrous CE and UP alumnus André Joubert emphasised the importance of this initiative in strengthening the long-standing partnership between ARM and UP. He noted that ARM’s commitment went beyond this collaboration, as the company also provided financial assistance to about 50 undergraduate and postgraduate students across various faculties through its corporate and mine bursary programmes.

He said this effort underscored ARM’s dedication to advancing academic excellence and the vital role of education within its communities.

ARM CEO Phillip Tobias expressed his excitement about supporting institutions of higher learning in South Africa, aligning with ARM’s commitment to advancing virtual learning and innovation.

“This centre will be instrumental in bridging the digital divide in our universities, nurturing the next generation of leaders and thinkers equipped to thrive in the digital age,” he said.