The Council for Geoscience 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 three former surveys, the oldest of which — the Geological Commission of the Cape of Good Hope — was founded in 1895. The Geoscience Act (no. 100 of 1993) established the Council for Geoscience in its present form. Today, the Council for Geoscience is a modern institution that boasts excellent facilities and expertise, ranking among the best in Africa.

As a scientific research council, the Council for Geoscience is mandated to promote research, extend knowledge in the field of geoscience and provide specialised geoscientific services. The Council for Geoscience has a national footprint in South Africa.