Impala Platinum (Implats), a global leader in platinum group metals (PGM) mining, is offering a 24-month Graduate Internship Programme for 2026 in Mechanical Engineering and Chemical Engineering/Metallurgy. Based in Springs, Gauteng, this programme, with applications closing on 15 August 2025, provides unemployed South African graduates with hands-on experience in a high-impact industry. With a focus on transformation and excellence, this opportunity addresses South Africa’s 45.5% youth unemployment rate by equipping graduates with skills for a competitive job market. Here’s your guide to applying and thriving in this career-defining programme.
Why the Implats Graduate Internship?
Implats, with operations across South Africa’s Bushveld Complex and Zimbabwe’s Great Dyke, is a powerhouse in PGM production, employing over 50,000 people and generating ZAR 100 billion annually. Its Springs Refineries (Precious Metal Refinery and Base Metal Refinery) are hubs for innovation in mineral processing. The 2026 internship programme offers:
- Paid Experience: Stipend of approximately ZAR 10,000–15,000/month (based on similar programmes like IEC’s ZAR 10,441.14), supporting living and transport costs.
- Hands-On Training: 24 months of rotational exposure across Concentrator Operations, Smelting, PMR, and BMR, building technical and managerial skills.
- Career Pathways: Potential permanent roles at Implats or subsidiaries, with 70% of similar mining internships leading to jobs. Chemical engineers may earn ZAR 400,000–700,000 annually; mechanical engineers, ZAR 350,000–650,000.
- Professional Growth: Supports Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) registration, requiring 24 months of practical experience.
- Innovation Focus: Contribute to technical and business improvement projects, like process optimization or sustainability initiatives.
- Equity Commitment: Prioritizes female candidates and designated groups under the Employment Equity Act, fostering inclusivity.
Internship Streams and Responsibilities
The programme offers two streams at Implats’ Springs Refineries, each designed to develop industry-ready engineers:
1. Graduate Intern: Mechanical Engineering (Ref No.: SA-Mechanical-2026)
- Role: Support maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of mechanical systems in concentrators, smelters, and refineries.
- Tasks:
- Maintain equipment like pumps, conveyors, and crushers.
- Assist in plant design and commissioning projects.
- Conduct safety inspections and technical reporting.
- Participate in improvement projects (e.g., energy efficiency).
- Environment: Work in high-pressure operational areas, requiring medical fitness for PMR/BMR settings.
2. Graduate Intern: Chemical Engineering / Metallurgy (Ref No.: SA-Chemical-2026)
- Role: Support mineral processing, metal extraction, and refinery operations, focusing on PGM recovery.
- Tasks:
- Monitor and optimize processes in smelting, concentrators, and refineries.
- Conduct laboratory analysis and troubleshoot process inefficiencies.
- Support plant design and feasibility studies for mineral deposits.
- Contribute to environmental compliance and sustainability projects.
- Environment: Rotations across PMR, BMR, and concentrator plants, requiring medical fitness.
Common Responsibilities:
- Complete a 24-month structured programme, attending all required training (e.g., safety, technical skills).
- Submit technical reports and present findings to stakeholders.
- Provide engineering support to meet operational targets.
- Innovate on projects to enhance efficiency or reduce costs.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, candidates must meet these criteria:
- Citizenship: South African citizen with a valid ID.
- Age: Typically 18–35 (standard for graduate internships).
- Education:
- NQF Level 7 qualification (BSc/BEng) in Mechanical Engineering or Chemical Engineering/Metallurgy from an accredited university (e.g., Wits, UCT, UP; see www.che.ac.za).
- Completed all theoretical modules, with a letter from the institution confirming completion (if applicable).
- Experience: Unemployed with no prior internship or work in the field of study.
- Health: Medically fit for operational areas (PMR/BMR), involving physical demands like standing or working in confined spaces.
- Skills:
- In-depth knowledge of engineering principles (e.g., thermodynamics for Mechanical, mineral processing for Chemical).
- Strong analytical, communication, and report-writing skills.
- Documents:
- Detailed CV highlighting academic projects or vacation work.
- Certified copies of ID, degree certificate, and academic transcript.
- Letter from the university confirming completion of all subjects (if available).
How to Apply
Applications are open until 15 August 2025. Follow these steps:
- Prepare Your Documents:
- Updated CV showcasing academic achievements, projects (e.g., plant design, coding for process control), or vacation work.
- Certified copies of South African ID, degree certificate, and academic transcript (within three months).
- Letter from your university confirming completion of all modules (if applicable).
- Optional: Motivational letter explaining your interest in Implats and the PGM industry.
- All documents in PDF format.
- Submit Online: Available Internship Opportunities
1. Graduate Intern: Mechanical Engineering
Ref No.: SA-Mechanical-2026
Minimum Qualification: NQF Level 7 in Mechanical Engineering
Requirement: Medically fit for operational areas
Location: Springs, Gauteng
Click here to apply for the Mechanical Engineering Internship
2. Graduate Intern: Chemical Engineering / Metallurgy
Ref No.: SA-Chemical-2026
Minimum Qualification: NQF Level 7 in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgy
Requirement: Medically fit for operational areas
Location: Springs, Gauteng
Click here to apply for the Chemical Engineering Internship
- Visit www.implats.co.za/careers(search “Implats Graduate Internship 2026”).
- Select “Mechanical Engineering Internship” (Ref: SA-Mechanical-2026) or “Chemical Engineering Internship” (Ref: SA-Chemical-2026).
- Register or log in, complete the form, and upload documents.
- Reference “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the “How did you hear about us?” field.
- Avoid Scams: Apply only through official Implats or PNet portals. Never pay fees or share bank details. Report issues to +27 11 731 9000 or careers@implats.co.za.
- Contact for Queries:
- Implats HR: +27 11 731 9000 or careers@implats.co.za.
What to Expect After Applying
- Screening: Implats’ HR reviews applications for qualifications and eligibility.
- Shortlisting: Only shortlisted candidates are contacted within 30 days post-closing (by 14 September 2025) for pre-employment assessments (e.g., psychometric tests, technical evaluations).
- Interviews: Conducted in Springs or virtually, assessing technical knowledge and fit.
- Medical and Background Checks: Verification of qualifications, ID, and medical fitness for mining environments.
- Outcome: If not contacted by 14 September 2025, your application was unsuccessful. Successful candidates start in January 2026.
Tips for a Standout Application
- Highlight Technical Skills: Emphasize relevant projects (e.g., mechanical design, process optimization) or software proficiency (e.g., MATLAB, Aspen for Chemical).
- Showcase Innovation: Mention any ideas for mining efficiency or sustainability in your CV/motivational letter.
- Certify Documents: Ensure certifications are recent (within three months) by a Commissioner of Oaths.
- Apply Early: Submit by 8 August 2025 to avoid technical issues or early closure.
- Research Implats: Understand its PGM operations and commitment to transformation (see www.implats.co.za) to align your application.
- Address Equity: If female or from a designated group, note this to align with Implats’ Employment Equity goals.
Why This Internship Matters
South Africa’s mining sector, contributing 7.5% to GDP, faces a shortage of skilled engineers, with only 5,000 engineering graduates annually against a demand for 10,000. Implats’ internship provides critical exposure to PGM processing, a niche field with global demand. With rotations across smelting, concentrators, and refineries, you’ll gain skills transferable to companies like Anglo American or Sibanye-Stillwater. The programme supports ECSA registration, enhancing your credentials, and offers a 70%+ chance of employment based on similar mining internships.
Comparison with Similar Internships
- Anglo American Graduate Programme (2025): 24 months for Mechanical/Chemical Engineering graduates, with a ZAR 15,000–20,000 stipend. Closes 31 July 2025. Focuses on coal and platinum operations.
- Exxaro Internship (2025): 24 months in Engineering and Geology, offering vacation work and ECSA support. Closes 21 February 2025. Based in Mpumalanga.
- Sasol Engineering Internship (2025): 12–24 months for Chemical/Mechanical Engineering, with a focus on petrochemicals. Closes 30 September 2025. Includes project management training.
- MQA Internship (2025): 12–24 months for mining-related fields, offering stipends and trade testing. Closes 15 August 2025.
Implats’ programme stands out for its PGM focus, Springs location, and emphasis on transformation, ideal for Gauteng-based graduates.
Conclusion
The Impala Platinum Graduate Internship Programme 2026 for Mechanical and Chemical Engineering in Springs, Gauteng, is your gateway to a transformative career in the PGM industry. If you’re an unemployed South African graduate with an NQF Level 7 qualification, prepare your CV, certified ID, transcript, and university letter, and apply online at www.implats.co.za/careers or www.pnet.co.za by 15 August 2025. Don’t miss this chance to gain hands-on experience with a global mining leader—apply now and shape the future of South African mining
