Bursary Programme

ERM is seeking graduates who are interested in pursuing full‑time postgraduate studies with reputable recognised universities. We can offer you an incredibly vast array of opportunities simply because our scope of work is so extensive. If you are pursuing studies in the environment, earth or natural sciences, some engineering fields, economics or the social sciences, then there may be an opportunity for you to work with us! ERM Southern Africa continues to foster transformation. Our industry requires high‑calibre professionals from a multicultural background. We continually seek ways to nurture and develop talent.

All students with the appropriate undergraduate degree aiming to further their studies in the relevant disciplines may apply. As part of the selection criteria, students are required to choose one essay topic from the list below.

Topic 1 : The importance of Stakeholder Engagement in regional Mine Closure

The importance of Stakeholder Engagement in regional Mine Closure.

Topic 2 : The Dark side of the Green Critical Mineral exploitation

The Dark side of the Green Critical Mineral exploitation.

Topic 3 : The carotid rete in desert‑adapted ungulates

The carotid rete is a distinctive feature of desert‑adapted ungulates such as gemsbok. Critically evaluate the merits of prevailing interpretations of its function, identifying any assumptions or unsupported claims generally presented as fact by available resources or tools. Conclude by explaining the potential implications of relying on these interpretations and assumptions to determine which biological systems (or receptors) may be most at risk of significant impacts in the context of climate change.

Topic 4 : Sustainable Remediation

Describe your understanding of Sustainable Remediation and why it is necessary to consider. Expand on different sustainable management practices (SMPs) used in sustainable remediation. What would be potential roadblocks to implementing sustainable remediation and which strategies would you as a consultant use to advocate for sustainable remediation solutions to the industry that has contracted you.

Topic 5 : Contaminated groundwater investigation

You are investigating a commercial site that is suspected of having contaminated groundwater because of a petrol spill. Detail your investigation approach, i.e. describe what fieldwork techniques you may use, the methodology of your investigation as well as selection of your analytical suites and provide your rationale. During your investigation, you discover that a residential property in the vicinity of the site has installed a borehole to abstract and use groundwater. How would this information influence your investigation, what additional aspects would you need to consider to safeguard the borehole users from a risk perspective.

Topic 6 : Emerging contaminants

Emerging contaminants are increasingly recognised as a major environmental issue due to their persistence and potential human health risks. Within the African context, what emerging contaminant do you believe could pose significant future liabilities to industry? Discuss the challenges with assessing, detecting, quantifying, regulating and managing risks associated with the emerging contaminant. Your essay could be supported by referencing applicable international case studies.

Topic 7 : Water management in an opencast mine

Your client operates an opencast mine. At the mine there are different sources of impacts on the surrounding groundwater and surface water resources, including dewatering of the mine as well as pollution from surface infrastructure such as the tailings dam. You are asked, as part of their water management strategy, to identify areas where water management can be improved in order to strengthen compliance with regulatory requirements (such as ICMM) and their sustainability program which aims to minimise environmental impact. Please discuss what aspects you would look at and provide suggestions on practical interventions they can implement to reduce their environmental impact.

Topic 8 : Climate change and biodiversity loss

The dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss pose accelerated exposure to material water and nature risks. Proactively addressing these risks has the potential to bring opportunity and innovation to our client’s businesses, to the communities around their businesses. Which aspects of a client’s licence to operate could be affected by water and / or nature risks and impacts? Which aspects of a client’s corporate strategy, business processes, and governance arrangements could be tailored to assess and manage these risks and impacts? How can the company go about value creation opportunities in their value chain? What hurdles or challenges might they face in doing so and in disclosing their efforts? Select an example company to illustrate your answer to these questions.

Topic 9 : Contamination source with unlined effluent storage dam

You have an active contamination source, an unlined effluent storage dam (20+ years in operation) containing high inorganic salt loads impacting groundwater and a nearby stream (west of the dam) via seepage. Consider the dam to be underlain by weathered clay material and surrounded by alluvium to the west and underlain by weathered Karoo sediments. There are currently no seepage impact mitigation measures.

The regulator has noted this impact (high inorganic salt loads) in your client’s most recent groundwater and surface monitoring reports submitted as part of their water use license requirements, and has instructed your client to investigate, quantify and mitigate the potential impacts on the water resources.

Your client has indicated that this impact has been present for many years and that there has been and still is a lack of funding for the implementation of a physical solution. How would you go about addressing the regulator’s instruction taking your client’s limitations into account, i.e. what other solutions (technical, engineering, scientific, regulatory etc.) could be considered?

Consider both cases :

• a) your investigation shows that there is no significant impact or risk to the water resource based on your proposed solution(s), criteria etc.;

b) your investigation shows that there is significant impact to the water resource based on your analysis, criteria etc.

Topic 10 : Waste circularity in remediation

The concept of waste circularity is gaining significance in the remediation of contaminated land. It is essential for professionals in this field to deepen their understanding of this topic and actively implement it in their remediation projects. Your client manages an oil storage terminal where approximately 100 000 L of petrol have leaked from a tank, contaminating the underlying vadose zone and unconfined aquifer units. This area is characterised by sandy clay geology, extending to depths of up to 10 m below ground level. You are responsible for selecting a high‑level, suitable remedial technology that emphasises waste circularity and wastewater minimisation for discussion with the client. The focus should be on reducing operational project costs while also minimising the environmental impact associated with both on‑site remediation and waste management.

Topic 11 : Net zero targets

Hundreds of companies around the globe have established “net zero” targets, including some of the largest corporations in Africa. Explain the rationale for these abatement targets; why net zero? Speaking from an African context, why might a company choose to adopt such an ambitious reduction goal.

Topic 12 : ESG performance

Improvements in companies’ environmental, social & governance (ESG) performance is increasingly becoming an expectation from various stakeholders including shareholders, ratings agencies, regulators, customers and society at large. Discuss the perceived impact of ESG inclusion in business models when compared to traditional ones – what are the key risks and opportunities for companies in managing ESG performance?

Topic 13 : Climate Change relevance for all organisations

Do you think that Climate Change is an important aspect for companies and organisations to focus on and consider in their business (irrespective of industry or sector)? If yes, then provide reasons why and if not then provide reasons why not? Additionally, which aspects of Climate Change (Physical Risks or Transitional Risks) do you consider might have the most impact on a company or organization (irrespective of industry or sector)?

Additional Application Documents

NB : Not including any of the above documents will be an automatic disqualification from the application process. You can add these documents to the Resume / CV section of the application.

Applications and essays will be reviewed by our Service experts and candidates will be shortlisted based on their academic performance, essay writing skills, as well as the chosen area of study.

ERM has limited places available in our Bursary Programme.

Successful candidates will enter into a contract with ERM Southern Africa and the contract will be reviewed quarterly in line with the student’s academic performance. If successful, the applicant will be notified by ERM on their success of their application.

Please note that this bursary opportunity is open only to unemployed South African graduates who are looking to further their studies.

Closing date for applications : Friday, 28 November 2025

Plagiarism Declaration

I know that plagiarism is wrong. Plagiarism is to use another’s work and pretend it is one’s own.

Each significant contribution to, and quotation in this essay that I have taken from the work(s) of other people has been attributed and has been cited and referenced.

I have used the Harvard (or Author‑date or APA) system for citation and referencing.

This essay is my own work, and I have not copied any other text.

I have not allowed and will not allow anyone to copy my work with the intention of passing it off as his or her own work.

Signed : _____________________ Date of Submission : _____________________

Candidates will be disqualified from selection if it is found that their submission is plagiarised. Plagiarism found subsequently to awarding the bursary may result in the bursary being withdrawn and the bursary awarded to date to be repaid.

ERM is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. It’s an essential part of what makes ERM a great place to build a career and helps us create better solutions for our clients.

We welcome talent from all backgrounds and provide equal opportunities for every candidate. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or need accommodations during the selection process, we’re here to support you. Our commitment doesn’t stop at hiring. Once you join us, we’ll ensure you have the tools, support, and adjustments needed to succeed and feel a true sense of belonging. Learn more about our Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (DIB) efforts by visiting our website or exploring our 2025 Sustainability Report.

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