University partnerships

Computer science prize

Maptek supports an annual award for excellence in second year computer science subjects at the University of Adelaide in South Australia. 

Peter Yeoh received the 2022 Maptek Prize for Computer Science at the annual prize giving ceremony in May 2023. This prize is awarded to the student achieving the highest average mark for computer science subjects taken at second year level.

Currently in his penultimate year of a Software Engineering course, Yeoh ascribes his results to ‘decent time management, a good support structure and a little determination’. His dream career is ‘developing something that will change the world’. 

Yeoh is in line for automatic entry to a summer internship at Maptek and is excited about the broad range of projects available. He most enjoys the problem-solving aspect of computer science, saying ‘it’s immensely satisfying when a good solution comes together’.

Head of Experimentation and Technology, Simon Ratcliffe noted that undergraduate engineers and geologists have been supported by Maptek since the company started, with an established academic licensing, internship and scholarship program available to universities globally.

Maptek has sponsored the computer science award for more than 10 years and retains contact with past winners, including several who have forged very successful careers within the company.

Designing for the future

Maptek helps final year mining engineering students at the University of Pretoria build strong skills in mine design.

Established in 1908, the multi-campus public research university in South Africa includes the Department of Mining Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and IT.

Ten years ago Maptek and the Mining Engineering Department entered into an agreement that would give students access to Maptek Vulcan. The partnership increases the quality of software training and mine design projects. 

Each year about 25 fourth year students take the Mine Design subject, tackling a practical project in the second semester. Students and lecturers have access to all Maptek Online Training courses for the semester, as well as support for student queries. 

Robust modelling and mine design software helps students complete better mine design projects.

Keaton Philo, University alumnus and lecturer, said that students gain valuable experience through using industry-standard software that they will most likely encounter in their professional work.

‘This collaboration provides students with practical knowledge and skills that are highly sought after in the mining industry, increasing their employability after graduation. Maptek has also assisted students with vacation work experience,’ said Philo.

‘As an undergrad, I really enjoyed the hands-on learning with Vulcan. Designing an underground block caving mining method for a diamond deposit was a great opportunity to combine everything that we had learned, to analyse geotechnical data and design safe and efficient mine layouts.’Several Maptek staff members, including Gideon Slabbert, Thulisani Msimanga, Nontsikelelo Mzotho and Mmoloke Ndlovu have taken mining courses at the University of Pretoria.

Several Maptek staff members, including Gideon Slabbert, Thulisani Msimanga, Nontsikelelo Mzotho and Mmoloke Ndlovu have taken mining courses at the University of Pretoria.