New partnership to empower next generation of women in critical minerals sector

Imperial’s Department of Earth Science and Engineering (ESE) is pleased to announce the new CD Capital Critical Minerals scholarship.

Thanks to a new philanthropic partnership with CD Capital, ESE will offer the new scholarship to support exceptional female students who demonstrate outstanding academic merit or potential and are starting an MSc in Metals and Energy Finance.

The initiative, which will aim to continue to increase the number of women joining the department, represents ESE’s and CD Capital’s shared commitment to fostering diversity and academic excellence in a field that is critical to global sustainability efforts.

One scholarship will be awarded for each of the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years, providing support and resources to students seeking to enter this crucial field.

The inaugural recipient of the CD Capital Critical Minerals Scholarship, Ami Pretorius, recently started her MSc this academic year. Ami is excited to be pursuing her MSc in Metals and Energy Finance with the scholarship’s support:

“I am grateful to CD Capital and Imperial for their support and commitment to supporting women in this field. Entering a traditionally male-dominated industry can be challenging, but it’s inspiring to see organisations actively championing diversity and working to create more opportunities for women in the sector,” said Ami.

Professor Tina van de Flierdt, Head of the Department of Earth Science and Engineering, commented on the significance of the scholarship:

We are very thankful and excited to partner with CD Capital to open doors for talented women and to help prepare them for impactful careers in the metals and energy finance industries. Prof Tina van de Flierdt Head of Department, Earth Science and Engineering

“We are very thankful and excited to partner with CD Capital to open doors for talented women and to help prepare them for impactful careers in the metals and energy finance industries. I look forward to seeing how our future scholars make a difference in the world.”

CD Capital’s Founder, Carmel Daniele, also expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership:

“We are very pleased to continue building on our partnership with Imperial College and take pride in supporting and empowering the next generation of talented female scholars as they look to advance their education and seek their desired career.

“Through this program, we aim to entice more women to enter our sector where they can make a powerful and meaningful contribution at a unique time in history when critical minerals are vital for the digital revolution and the greening of our planet.”