Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) Internships 2026/2027: Gain Experience in Mining and Energy Sectors

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) is offering a Graduate Internship Programme for 2026/2027 and 2027/2028. This opportunity is for South African graduates looking to gain valuable work experience in various fields related to mining, petroleum, and energy. Applications close on 20 November 2026.

Application Closing Date: 20 November 2026
Location: Pretoria, Emalahleni, eThekwini, Polokwane, Kimberley, Braamfontein, Gqeberha, Klerksdorp, Free State, and other regional offices
Programme Duration: 2026/2027 – 2027/2028
Stipend: R8 174.75 per month
Minimum Qualification: Degree or National Diploma (depending on the specific internship)
Opportunity Type: Internship

About the DMPR Graduate Internship Programme

The DMPR Graduate Internship Programme aims to provide practical work experience to recent graduates across a range of professional and technical disciplines. This programme is designed to support skills development and offer exposure to the public sector within the mining and petroleum industries. It is a structured learning opportunity that allows interns to contribute to the department’s objectives.

The programme covers diverse fields, including Environmental Science, Law, Development Studies, Community Development, Geology, GIS, Statistics, Human Resources, Occupational Health and Safety, Communications, and Information Technology. This variety ensures that graduates from different academic backgrounds can find a suitable placement. Persons with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply.

About the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR)

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is a government department responsible for regulating and promoting the sustainable development of South Africa’s mineral and petroleum resources. It plays a key role in policy formulation, resource management, and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety standards within these sectors. The department works to create an environment that supports investment and job creation while safeguarding natural resources.

Available Internship Opportunities

The DMPR is offering 20 internship positions across various specialisations. Applicants should ensure they meet the specific qualification requirements for each role.

• Mine Closure Internship
• Mine Environmental Research and Sustainable Development Internship
• Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Internship
• Criminal Enforcement Internship
• Social and Labour Plan Internship (Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Northern Cape, Gauteng)
• Mine Economics Internship (Eastern Cape, North West, Northern Cape)
• Mineral Information Management Internship (Northern Cape, Free State)
• Occupational Medicine Internship
• Occupational Hygiene Internship
• Human Resource Development Internship
• Occupational Health and Safety Internship
• Communications Internship
• System Development and Maintenance Internship

What the Internship Offers

Successful interns will gain significant benefits from participating in this programme. These include:

• Valuable workplace experience in a government department.
• Exposure to the mining, petroleum, and energy sectors.
• A monthly stipend to support living expenses.
• Opportunity to work on real projects and contribute to departmental goals.
• Development of professional skills and a better understanding of public service.

Programme Duration and Location

The internship programme will run for two years, from 2026/2027 to 2027/2028. Internships will be based in various locations across South Africa, including Pretoria (Head Office), Emalahleni, eThekwini, Polokwane, Kimberley, Braamfontein, Gqeberha, Klerksdorp, and the Free State. Successful applicants will be responsible for arranging their own accommodation and transport to their respective work locations.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for the DMPR Graduate Internship Programme, applicants must meet the following general requirements:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Have completed a Degree or National Diploma in a relevant field as specified for each internship.
• Applicants who have previously participated in another Government Internship Programme will not be considered.
• Students requiring experiential training for their qualification must attach a formal letter from their tertiary institution.

Specific qualification requirements vary by internship, so applicants must check the details for each position they are interested in.

Competencies Required

While specific skills will vary by role, general competencies sought in interns include:

• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team.
• Good organisational skills.
• Willingness to learn and adapt.
• Basic computer literacy.
• A professional attitude.

Who Should Apply?

This internship programme is ideal for unemployed South African graduates who have recently completed their studies and are seeking to gain practical experience in fields related to mining, petroleum, and environmental management. It is particularly suited for individuals looking to start their careers within the public sector and contribute to the responsible management of the country’s natural resources.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents for their application:

• A completed Z83 Application for Employment form.
• A comprehensive and detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• At least three contactable references.

Only shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit certified copies of their qualifications and other supporting documents. These certified documents must not be older than six months at the time they are requested.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted online via the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources e-Recruitment system. You will need to create a user profile, complete your personal information, and set up login credentials before applying for available positions.

Click here to apply for Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Internships 2026 / 2027

Applications may also be sent by post or courier to:
The Director-General
Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources
Private Bag X59
Pretoria
0001

Alternatively, applications can be hand-delivered to:
Trevenna Campus
Corner Meintjies and Francis Baard Street
Pretoria

Ensure you quote the relevant internship reference number on your application.

Important Notes

• Successful interns will be responsible for their own accommodation and transport.
• Previous participants of a Government Internship Programme are not eligible.
• A separate Z83 form must be submitted for each internship applied for.
• Incomplete applications may be disqualified.
• Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
• The Department reserves the right not to fill any advertised position.
• If you do not hear back within three months after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is 20 November 2026. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications well before this deadline to avoid any last-minute issues.

SHARE THIS POST WITH OTHERS.