The African Rainbow Minerals Chair in Sustainable Engineering and Process Intensification is located within the School of Engineering at the University of KwaZulu Natal. It was originally formed as the Reactor Technology Research Group by Prof David Lokhat in 2013.

A key feature in current chemical engineering research is the application of process intensification. The term process intensification refers to technologies that replace large expensive energy intensive equipment or processes with ones that are smaller, less costly and more efficient. It deals with process miniaturization, reduction in capital cost, enhanced safety and energy efficiency and often improved product quality. It also encompasses improvement in process chemistry, process steps, multifunctional reactors, membrane reactors and use of more intensified methods of processing such as the use of ultrasound, microwaves and magnetic fields. The chair has been developed around this concept of process intensification, and has focused on the production of advanced materials for application in intensified chemical reactors and separators.

There are increasing demands in the quantity and diversity of minerals, metals and materials as we move towards renewable energy, electro-mobility, advanced digital communication and other clean-energy technologies (including hydrogen). The purpose of the chair in sustainable engineering and process intensification is to produce world-class process engineering postgraduates and future industry leaders to support the minerals sector and broader industry into a sustainable future.