Abstract
In 1933, Theodore Hoover wrote an article “The Young Engineer and His Career” where he describe the desirable attributes of a young engineer entering the field of mining and metallurgical engineering. The article covered the various topics such as the requirements and pathway to success, ethics and professional customs, and the future of the profession. In contemporary South Africa, the advice provided in 1933 is still relevant today. Young engineers and recent graduates can benefit from an updated discussion on the attributes required of the young South African engineer. After a number of years of previously disadvantaged South Africans being held in high demand, the mining industry has contracted with an over supply of mining graduates. Current conditions call for engineers to be able to accept the challenges ahead, welcome any opportunity for them to demonstrate their skills, prove their resilience and ability to take on new challenges. It is important that young engineers have realistic expectations of what the mining industry can provide once the engineer leaves university. As a backdrop to the above discussions the future of the southern African mining industry is examined.