It is also mandated to generate and provide geoscientific research. The Council for Geoscience (CGS) is one of the National Science Councils of South Africa and is the legal successor of the Geological Survey of South Africa, which was formed in 1912 by the amalgamation of 3 former Surveys, the oldest of which - the Geological Commission of the Cape of Good Hope - was founded in 1895. The Council
for Geoscience was established in terms of the Geoscience Act (Act No. 100 of 1993), the Act was later amended in 2010, to establish the Geoscience Amendment Act (Act No. 16 of 2010). As a scientific research council, the CGS is mandated to provide for the promotion of research and the extension of knowledge in the field of geoscience as well as the provision of specialised geoscientific services. The Council has a national footprint in the country, with the Head Office located in Silverton, Pretoria and various other Regional Offices located in Polokwane (Limpopo), Cape Town (Western Cape), Pietermaritzburg & Durban (Kwazulu Natal), Port Elizabeth (Eastern Cape) and Upington (Northern Cape). Today, the Council is a modern institution, boasting excellent facilities and expertise, ranking among the best in Africa. The CGS provides the following diverse professional services:
- Geophysical Airborne and Ground Surveys,
- Geological Mapping,
- Seismology,
- Geochemistry,
- Engineering Geosciences (including Geotechnical Services),
- Mineral Resources Development including Mining and Minerals Services,
- Water Geoscience/Hydrological Services,
- Environmental Management and Rehabilitation,
- Marine Geoscience
- Spatial Data and GIS Services; and
- Regional Geological Surveys and Map compilations including Core Drilling Services.
