Structural geology is probably the most important geological discipline supporting both mining and exploration. Also known as geodynamics, it influences the structure and establishment processes of almost every industry.

Exxaro has joined with Kumba Iron Ore in sponsoring a chair at the University of Pretoria, to be known as the Kumba Exxaro Chair in Geodynamics. The geodynamics chair will enable geodynamics research at master’s and doctoral levels for full- and part-time students across the globe, and annual short courses presented by international experts have already been planned for 2009. A new third-year BSc module about geodynamic controls on ore formation will also be introduced, as will an honours module in economic geology.