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 project.

Working in teams of up to 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)

The Challenge

Develop an exploration proposal with real commercial potential. Unlike traditional academic competitions, teams will prepare an exploration proposal for a 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 up to 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 | Hall 1

Time Activity

12:30

Welcome and Competition Introduction
12:45 Presentations by the Three Finalist Teams and Judges’ Q&A
14:15 Keynote Speaker During Judges’ Deliberation
14:30 Judges’ Feedback and Winner Announcement
14:45

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 up to three students):

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

Prize

What you could win:

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

See More Skills in Action

The competition doesn't stop here. Experience the Forklift Driver Competition, where skilled operators put their precision, control and safety expertise to the test in live practical challenges throughout the show.

FAQs

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

Three.

No.

Entries have been extended to 27 August 2026.

 Electra Mining Africa 2026, Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec.

R10,000 for the winning team.

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