A new mining academy has been set up in South Africa to increase the number of people moving into the mining industry.

The institution, to be established in Limpopo's Sekhukhune district in the north-east of the country, will serve the burgeoning platinum industry in the region, which is becoming an increasingly vital part of the country's economy.

Booming platinum mines in the area – and in neighbouring Zimbabwe – are crying out for mining experts and the new academy is built in an area where students will receive excellent on-the-job training opportunities.

It is hoped that the academy will boost the number of people entering the platinum mining profession, thereby upping the mining firms' ability to supply platinum by giving them the skilled workers at their disposal.

Referring to the academy, Municipal spokesperson Mike Lekala commented: "The district is rich in platinum and chrome, and we hope that once the project starts to roll, it will go a long way in alleviating poverty."