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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

UFS Prestige Scholar shares her vision on crystallography with worldwide audience
2014-04-24

 
Dr Alice Brink
Dr Alice Brink, a Prestige Scholar and lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at the University of the Free State, was selected by UNESCO to participate, together with some 15 other young scientists from all over the world, in a round-table discussion at the Opening Ceremony of the International Year of Crystallography.

During this event, that took place in Paris, France, Dr Brink could, on stage, share her vision as one of the next generation of scientists.

“The 15 crystallographers consisted of eight young, established scientists and seven ‘young-young’ scientists who are starting their careers. We participated in a group discussion in order for the crystallographic community to better understand the challenges faced by young scientists across the globe.

“It was a great privilege to be invited to be part of this talented and diverse discussion group and to hear the challenges that are faced by young scientists from different parts of the world. It is also comforting to hear that scientific difficulties that are found in South Africa are commonly experienced in both First and Third World countries,” said Dr Brink.

“Crystallography has directly influenced the development of numerous scientific fields such as chemistry, physics, mathematics, medicine, engineering and material sciences. More inter-departmental collaboration would benefit greatly from crystallography, as this multi-faceted science provides foundation principles for applied research,” she said.

The United Nations declared 2014 as the International Year of Crystallography, and it was officially opened at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris by the Secretary-General of the UN, Ban Ki-moon.

The ceremony was video-streamed live to more than 500 destinations all over the world.

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