Welcome to the Department of Geology

Welcome to the home of Bushveld Geology, Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, Geodynamics, and Natural Hazards research in South Africa.  Essentially everything of geological consequence north of the Jukskei River belongs to us.

The Department of Geology at the University of Pretoria teaches two major undergraduate and honours study programmes, in (1) Geology and (2) Environmental and Engineering Geology (encompassing also Hydrogeology at honours level).

Internationally-recognised research remains a fundamental activity of all staff and postgraduate students.  Our students (see also the webpage of the Geological Society of the University of Pretoria) at all levels are trained to be able to join the global community of professional geoscientists and to contribute to the search and utilisation of Earth’s minerals and commodities to the benefit of society, and to enhance the relationship between Man and the Environment. 

The Aon Benfield Natural Hazard Centre, Africa, launched on 1 July 2008, opens up a large range of multi-disciplinary research within the Faculty and entire University, particularly in seismic hazard studies, mine seismic research, meteorology and the actuarial and insurance sciences.

We wish to thank Kumba Iron Ore, Exxaro, METF, Aon Benfield, BHP Billiton, and Dr. Roelof van der Merwe for their continuous support of our department. The significant support provided by the Minerals Education Trust Fund (METF) makes a very important contribution towards fostering excellent teaching and research activities within the Department. In 2009, BHP Billiton donated analytical equipment to a value in excess of R3 million to this department. The new Kumba-Exxaro Chair in Geodynamics was launched in 2009.