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24 April 2023 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Leonie Bolleurs
Dr Jarlen Keet is excited about the various technological advancements in the field of geology that offer many benefits to researchers like herself, given that geology is an ever-evolving field. She received her PhD in Geology at this year’s April graduation ceremonies.

Dr Jarlen Keet, Lecturer in the Department of Geology at the University of the Free State (UFS), received her PhD qualification at the April graduation ceremonies of the university.

The title of her thesis is: A multi-isotope (S-Sr-Nd) investigation of the Flatreef, Northern Limb, Bushveld Complex: Petrogenetic implications and comparison with the Merensky Reef.

I hope that with my contribution, mining and exploration companies can improve their understanding of ore formation in the Bushveld Complex and globally
Flatreef the future of platinum mining in South Africa

With her thesis, she makes a significant contribution to understanding the formation and origin of the Flatreef in the northern limb and how it relates to the Merensky and Bastard units in the remainder of the Bushveld Complex – the world’s largest repository of platinum-group elements (PGEs) – which are widely used in various industries. Primary uses of PGEs include their application in LCD screens in the electronics industry, chemotherapy drugs and pacemakers in the medical field, and the production of catalytic converters that reduce harmful emissions from vehicles. 

She used isotopic data to show that the Flatreef is a correlation of the Merensky and Bastard rock units in the Bushveld Complex. Her findings also support evidence suggesting that the Main Zone was not the source of PGEs in the Flatreef, and by extension the Merensky Reef, which goes against previous beliefs.

According to Dr Keet, the Flatreef, located south of the town Mokopane, represents the future of platinum mining in South Africa.

Importance of research on the mining industry

She believes the importance of mining PGEs in South Africa is undeniable. 

“Research on our mineral resources is therefore important to our mining industry. The better we understand our PGE deposits and how they formed, the better ore models we produce, and the more we can improve on our exploration techniques and mining methods. I hope that with my contribution, mining and exploration companies can improve their understanding of ore formation in the Bushveld Complex and globally,” says Dr Keet, who was introduced to research on the Bushveld Complex during her honours project, which focused on the Merensky Reef. “I have been hooked ever since.”

Driven to excel by her inherent desire to always be her best and motivated by gratitude, Dr Keet plans to establish herself as a young scientist in her field in the next five years by supervising MSc projects and publishing more articles.

News Archive

Miss South Africa is a Kovsie
2014-04-01

 

Twenty-one-year-old Rolene Strauss, a third-year medical student at the University of the Free State (UFS), was crowned as Miss South Africa at a gala event at Sun City the weekend. Rolene was also the favourite on Twitter.

Another Kovsie, Dipalesa Mbolo, honours student in Business Management at the UFS, was also one of the finalists in the Miss South Africa pageant.

In her acceptance speech, Rolene said that she dearly loves South Africa. “This is where I can live, speak, learn and love freely. This is where my dreams come true. I am very proud of our country and shall always have a purpose here,” Rolene said.

Rolene said that Prof Jonathan Jansen, the Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS, is an inspiration to her. “He stands up for what he believes in and enjoys what he is doing. He wants the best for his students and supports them in everything they do,” she said.

The university community is very proud of Rolene, and it is confirmed by Prof Jansen. “I am extremely proud of Rolene Strauss, for she has proved that physical beauty, academic excellence and public duty can come together in one person, and offer a powerful platform for transforming communities in need that would otherwise remain invisible, were it not for such a wonderful young role model,” he said.

On the year which lies ahead, Rolene said: “It will be a year during which I shall give back, say thank you and be a good example of the potential that especially women and South Africans may have in our country.”

 

 

 

 

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