South Africa's Next Generation of Mineral Exploration Leaders

Can you turn a geological discovery into an investment opportunity?
The GSSA Explorers' Pitch Competition, presented in partnership with Electra Mining Africa 2026, challenges university students to think beyond geology and develop a commercially viable mineral exploration proposal for a South African project.

Working in teams of three, students will prepare a real-world exploration concept before pitching it live to a panel of leading geologists, mining professionals and industry experts in a Dragon's Den-style presentation.

Compete for R10,000 in prize money, gain valuable industry exposure, receive expert feedback and showcase your ideas at one of Africa's largest mining exhibitions.

Date: Monday, 7 September 2026
Venue: Johannesburg Expo Centre (Nasrec)

Why Enter?

More than a student competition
The Explorers' Pitch has been created to bridge the gap between university and industry by giving students practical experience in developing exploration projects that balance scientific excellence with commercial thinking.

Participants will have the opportunity to:

  • Present before respected industry leaders
  • Receive expert technical and commercial feedback
  • Build professional networks
  • Strengthen presentation and communication skills
  • Experience how exploration projects are evaluated by investors
  • Add valuable industry experience to their CV
  • Compete for R10,000 in prize money

The Challenge

Develop an exploration proposal with real commercial potential. Unlike traditional academic competitions, teams will prepare an exploration proposal for a South African mineral exploration opportunity.

Your proposal should demonstrate:

  • Geological opportunity
  • Exploration strategy
  • Capital and operating budget
  • Commercial viability
  • Value creation
  • Risk assessment

Competition Format

Step 1: Enter as a team of three students.
Step 2: Submit your written exploration proposal.
Step 3: The top three teams will be shortlisted.
Step 4: Finalists receive coaching before the live event.
Step 5: Pitch your proposal live at Electra Mining Africa.
Step 6: Answer questions from the judging panel.
Step 7: Winner announced at Electra Mining Africa.


Live Finals Schedule

Monday, 7 September 2026

Time Activity

14:00

 Welcome and competition introduction
14:15 Team 1 presentation + Q&A
14:45 Team 2 presentation + Q&A
15:15 Team 3 presentation + Q&A
15:45 Judges' deliberation
16:00 Feedback and winner announcement
16:15 Prize giving with Digger



Judging Criteria

Teams will be assessed on:
Geological understanding • Exploration strategy • Commercial thinking • Budget realism • Technical presentation • Ability to answer questions • Overall investment potential

Who Can Enter?

The competition is open to university students studying fields including (Teams must consist of three students):

  • Geology
  • Geoscience
  • Mining Engineering
  • Mineral Exploration
  • Mining Finance
  • Related disciplines

Prize

What you could win:

🏆 R10,000 prize money
🎤 Present on the Electra Mining Africa stage
🤝 Network with industry leaders
📈 Professional exposure
🧠 Expert coaching and feedback


Enter the Competition

Think you've got what it takes? Applications are now open.

Enter Now (opens in a new tab)

 

FAQs

University students studying geology, geoscience, mining, finance or related disciplines.

Three.

No.

See the competition guidelines and entry form.

 Electra Mining Africa 2026, Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec.

R10,000.

Yes. Shortlisted teams will participate in a coaching session before the live finals.