Science, sustainability and society came together in an evening that marked a bold new era for African geoscience.
On 29 October 2025, the Wits School of Geosciences officially launched two groundbreaking initiatives – the Earth Observatory and the African Research Centre for Ore Systems Science (CORES) – positioning Wits University and Africa at the forefront of global progress in the field. Geosciences are the study of the Earth – its structure, materials, processes and history, including how it changes over time.
CORES builds upon the proud heritage of Wits’s Economic Geology Research Unit (EGRI), founded in 1957, and extends that legacy into a new era of interdisciplinary science. The launch showcased Wits’s commitment to advancing cross-disciplinary Earth Science – fuelling a sustainable future for the planet, the economy and society.
Flow Communications was honoured to support this landmark occasion by managing social media around the event, including live posting in collaboration with Robyn Symons from the Wits School of Geosciences, and by designing and editing the funding prospectus included in guests’ goodie bags.
Under the theme “Earth, Elements & Innovation”, the event brought together leading scientists, alumni, industry partners and the mining community to explore avenues for collaboration.
Professor Lynn Morris, deputy vice-chancellor of research and innovation at Wits University, delivered the opening address, saying, “The Earth Observatory continues the proud heritage of geology, geochemistry and geophysics that is part of this university’s DNA. The same spirit of innovation continues here, inspiring the next discoveries. CORES stands proud as it carries forward cutting-edge science to solve real-world problems, inspiring the next generation of geoscientists to lead the mining industry.”
Professor Grant Bybee, head of the Wits School of Geosciences, officially unveiled the Earth Observatory, one of Africa’s most advanced geoanalytical facilities, which offers state-of-the-art geophysical, geometallurgical and geochemical instrumentation.
“Our mission is to drive and innovate geosciences across Africa and South Africa. We can’t conduct meaningful research without the microscopes, equipment and laboratories you see here tonight,” he said.
Professor Glen Nwaila, director of CORES, then introduced the centre – a new research hub dedicated to advancing innovation, education and sustainable development in economic geology, geometallurgy, geodata science and mineral policy.
“The progress we must make depends on geologists, metallurgists, engineers and many others working together to tackle the challenges we face today. We must cross classical boundaries and co-create solutions with industry,” Nwaila said.
Mzila Mthenjane, CEO of the Minerals Council South Africa, highlighted the significance of these initiatives for the mining sector and society – particularly as the world urgently seeks critical metals for a green and just transition.
“The Economic Geology Research Institute has a long heritage, and that spirit of connection – in service to industry and trade – lives on in CORES. Research and training do not thrive in isolation; they need a healthy ecosystem to sustain them. By using our geo-resources more effectively, these ventures aim to benefit both society and the economy,” Mthenjane said.
Professor Nithaya Chetty, dean of the Faculty of Science at Wits, concluded the formal proceedings, saying, “Let us not forget, in the midst of this celebration, the importance of the science behind all of this. The rocks studied here formed billions of years ago and continue to inform our understanding of the world and where we are going. We must also remember to be grateful [for the vital role donors have played]. This represents an incredible investment from many partners.”
The evening concluded with guided tours of 10 laboratories across the School of Geosciences, the Earth Observatory and CORES, led by scientists and students, offering guests a first-hand look at the world-class facilities and research under way.
Flow’s partnership with the Wits School of Geosciences extends beyond this event. Flow provides social media content and design, as well as public relations support focused on thought leadership, helping share stories of scientific excellence that make Africa, and Wits, truly For Good.
