The Exxaro Matla Coal Graduate Development Programme 2026 is a 24-month structured opportunity designed to help unemployed graduates gain real workplace experience in the mining sector.
This programme is based at Exxaro Matla Coal Mine in Kriel, Mpumalanga, and is specifically aimed at graduates who live within the Ga-Nala community. It focuses on building practical skills, professional exposure, and industry readiness in one of South Africa’s leading mining environments.
Applications close on 25 June 2026, and only online submissions are accepted.
Programme Overview
- Programme Name: Exxaro Matla Coal Graduate Development Programme 2026
- Duration: 24 Months
- Location: Matla Coal Mine, Kriel, Mpumalanga
- Target Group: Unemployed graduates
- Community Requirement: Must reside in Ga-Nala community
- Application Method: Online only
- Closing Date: 25 June 2026
About Exxaro Matla Coal Mine
Exxaro Resources is one of South Africa’s leading diversified mining companies, with operations focused on energy production and sustainable resource development.
Through initiatives like the Matla Coal Graduate Development Programme, the company invests in youth development by offering structured training, mentorship, and exposure to real mining operations.
This programme is designed to prepare graduates for long-term careers in engineering, finance, environmental sciences, and other technical fields within the mining industry.
Who Can Apply?
This opportunity is open to unemployed graduates who meet the academic and community requirements.
Applicants must:
- Be unemployed graduates
- Reside within the Ga-Nala community (proof required)
- Have completed Grade 12 / Standard 10
- Meet minimum academic performance requirements
- Have a relevant National Diploma or Degree
Minimum Academic Requirements
Applicants must meet the following Grade 12 requirements:
- Minimum 40% in English
- Minimum 40% in Mathematics
- Mathematics Literacy is not accepted
In addition, candidates must hold a National Diploma or Degree in a relevant field aligned to the available disciplines.
Available Graduate Fields
The programme offers exposure across several disciplines, depending on qualification:
Human Resources
Qualifications:
- Human Resource Management
- Industrial Psychology
Exposure includes recruitment, employee relations, training and development.
Engineering and Mining
Qualifications:
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Extractive Metallurgy
Exposure includes mining operations, plant maintenance, engineering projects, and production support.
Business Improvement / Industrial Engineering
Qualifications:
- Industrial Engineering
Exposure includes process optimisation, productivity improvement, and operational analysis.
Environmental and Sustainability
Qualifications:
- Environmental Management
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Hygiene
- Ventilation
Exposure includes compliance, risk management, and sustainability reporting.
Geology and Mine Planning
Qualifications:
Fresh listings:
- Geology
- Mine Survey
- Mineral Resource Management
Exposure includes geological analysis, surveying, and resource estimation.
Finance
Qualifications:
- Financial Accounting
- Management Accounting
Exposure includes budgeting, cost control, and financial reporting.
Risk Management
Qualifications:
- Risk or Investigation-related qualifications
Exposure includes compliance monitoring, investigations, and risk reporting.
Information Management
Qualifications:
- Information Management
Exposure includes data systems, business intelligence, and IT support functions.
Supply Chain Management
Qualifications:
- Supply Chain Management
Exposure includes procurement, logistics, and inventory management.
Community Development
Qualifications:
- Community Development
- Communications
Exposure includes stakeholder engagement, CSR projects, and communication strategies.
Key Selection Requirements
Applicants must:
- Meet all academic requirements
- Provide proof of residence (Ga-Nala community)
- Complete the full recruitment process
- Attend assessments if required
Important note: Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.
Important Application Rules
Applicants should take note:
- Only online applications will be accepted
- Email and paper submissions will not be considered
- Applications must be completed via the official Exxaro platform
- Incomplete applications may be rejected
- Selection is competitive and based on company recruitment processes
Required Documents
Before applying, prepare the following:
- Updated CV
- Certified ID copy
- Certified Grade 12 certificate
- Certified qualification certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of residence
Application Tips
To improve your chances:
- Highlight academic performance clearly
- Include any leadership or student involvement
- Add volunteer or community work
- Emphasise technical or computer skills
- Tailor your CV to your field of study
APPLY FOR THE EXXARO MATLA COAL GRADUATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 2026
Closing Date
Applications for the Exxaro Matla Coal Graduate Development Programme 2026 close on 25 June 2026.
Late applications will not be considered.
Final Thoughts
This programme offers a strong entry point into the mining industry for graduates who meet the requirements. With structured training, mentorship, and hands-on exposure, participants can build valuable experience that supports long-term career growth.
Graduates from the Ga-Nala community who meet the criteria are encouraged to apply early and ensure all documents are correctly prepared before submission.