It is unique in South African tertiary education in that it is the only stand-alone facility to cater exclusively for the educational needs of the minerals and engineering metallurgy industries. The Faculty, through its School of Mines and Department of Metallurgy, presents diplomas and degrees on a sandwich basis, with each six-month semester of academic work being complemented by six months of experiential training in industry. The Faculty cooperates closely with similar departments at the University of the Witwatersrand. Students from both institutions share laboratory facilities.
Industry also forms an important partner, providing financial support and equipment.