NUST and Beifang Mining Services Namibia Transform Student Experience

In a transformative step towards enriching student career opportunities, the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and Beifang Mining Services (Namibia), have solidified their collaboration through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), with a focused aim on fortifying the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programme.

The signing facilitated by NUST’s Cooperative Education department, marked the commencement of a collaborative endeavour aimed at bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application for students. The agreement entails facilitating student placements at Beifang Mining Services (Namibia), providing them with invaluable hands-on experience crucial for their future careers.

Established in 2013 as a subsidiary of the Norinco Group in China, Beifang Mining Services (Namibia) Pty. Ltd boasts a comprehensive business portfolio encompassing Explosive Production, Drilling & Blasting, Loading Hauling, and General Mining Services. Notably, the company has already welcomed 5 interns for their Husab Mine project and accommodated 10 graduates at their Rossing Mine Project between November 2023 and March 2024.

Dr Fisher Yu, the Chief Executive Officer of Beifang Mining Services, expressed optimism about the agreement and stated, "Through this agreement, we are creating numerous opportunities and platforms for NUST students across all disciplines to gain practical experience from our projects at Husab and Rossing Mines."

“NUST has made WIL a compulsory component in all undergraduate programmes, and having students complete their Work Integrated Learning can also enable Beifang Mining Services to train potential recruits for the future, resulting in reduced costs and training time during the recruitment of competent and motivated employees who understand our organisation,” highlighted Dr Andrew Niikondo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching, Learning and Technology, in his speech read by Dr Colen Tuaundu, the Director of Academic Development and Support.

The MoA signifies a promising partnership aimed at nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and addressing industry needs. Through this synergy, NUST and Beifang Mining Services (Namibia) are paving the way for a brighter future, where students emerge as competent professionals ready to make meaningful contributions to the mining sector and beyond.