SOMP Annual General Meeting and Conference 2025
From September 4th to 10th, 2025, RWTH Aachen University had the honor of hosting the 35th Annual General Meeting of the Society of Mining Professors (SOMP). Thanks to the presidency of Prof. Elisabeth Clausen, this year’s AGM were held in Aachen – a city with a rich cultural heritage and strong academic tradition.
The meeting brought together mining professors and professionals from across the globe to exchange knowledge, present cutting-edge research, and discuss the future of mining education and practice. The program featured inspiring presentations, panel discussions, technical visits to mining companies and manufacturers, and unique cultural highlights such as the Awards Dinner in Aachen’s historic Coronation Hall.
The atmosphere throughout the week reflected what SOMP stands for: international collaboration, professional excellence, and personal connection. With over 120 participants from 25 countries, the AGM once again proved to be a cornerstone for strengthening global networks and fostering innovation in the mining sector.
Conference Supporters
As President of the Society of Mining Professors, it was a great honor and privilege for me to welcome our distinguished colleagues and friends to Aachen for the 35th Annual General Meeting. Hosting the AGM in Aachen during my presidency was a very special experience – both personally and professionally.
I am deeply grateful to all participants for their active engagement, inspiring contributions, and the warm spirit that made this meeting so memorable. The program highlighted the breadth and depth of SOMP: from academic excellence and educational innovation to close ties with industry and society. The visits to outstanding mining operators and equipment manufacturers, as well as the evening at our "Reallabor Nivelstein" as well as the Award`s Dinner in the Coronation Hall showcased the strength of our field and its importance for the future.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the organizing team and to our guests, whose enthusiasm and openness created such a vibrant atmosphere.
This AGM will remain a highlight of my presidency, and I am confident that the connections and ideas fostered in Aachen will continue to shape our community for years to come.
Glückauf,
Professor Elisabeth Clausen, President 2024–2025, Society of Mining Professors
Organising Committee
We are pleased to introduce our organizing committee, a team of outstanding experts from mining universities around the globe. Their dedication and expertise were instrumental in shaping the program and ensuring the success of this year's conference.
- Prof. Dr.-Ing. Elisabeth Clausen, RWTH Aachen, Germany
- Dr.-Ing. Alexandra Radl, RWTH Aachen, Germany
- Prof. Dr. jur. Walter Frenz, RWTH Aachen, Germany
- Prof. Dr. Bernd Lottermoser, RWTH Aachen, Germany
- Prof. Dr.-Ing. Axel Preuße, RWTH Aachen, Germany
- Prof. Dr.-Ing. Tobias Vraetz, RWTH Aachen, Germany
- Prof. Vladislav Kecojevic, Queen`s University, Canada
- Prof. Serkan Saydam, UNSW, Australia
- Assoc. Prof. Emily Sarver, Virginia Tech, USA
- Prof. Zach Agioutantis, University of Kentucky, USA
- Prof. Domingo Javier Carvajal Gomez, University of Huelva, Spain
- Prof. Ismet Canbulat, UNSW, Australia
- Prof. Oscar Jaime Restrepo Baena, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Colombia
- Assoc. Prof. Harmony Musiyarira, Namibia University of Science & Technology, Namibia
- Assoc. Prof. Liu Li, Chongqing University, China
- Assoc. Prof. Nga Nguyen, Hanoi University of Mining and Geology, Vietnam
- Assoc. Prof. Marilena Cardu, Politecnico di Torino, Italy
- Prof. Oliver Langefeld, TU Clausthal, Germany
- Prof. Ronny-Webber Youngman, University of Pretoria, South Africa
- Ms. Sandra Nowosad, TU Clausthal, Germany
- Assoc. Prof. Veiko Karu, Tallinn Business School, Estonia
- Dr. George Barakos, Curtin University, Australia
- Ms. Natalija Pavlovic, University of Belgrade, Serbia
- Prof. Godfrey Dzinomwa, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Namibia
- Assoc. Prof. Seher Ata, UNSW, Australia
We were fortunate to have such knowledgeable and passionate professionals supporting us, and we thank everyone for the engaging discussions and support.
We were delighted to feature some of the many voices of SOMP in the lead-up to the conference.
“Why SOMP Matters – Voices of the Community”
This series highlights voices from across the SOMP network — showcasing personal stories, professional insights, and global perspectives on what makes SOMP truly unique.
The contributions center around three key themes:
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Personal Connection to SOMP
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The Future of Mining & Innovation
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Looking Ahead to the SOMP 2025 Conference in Aachen
From impactful career moments and cross-border collaborations to bold ideas shaping the future of mining — these voices reflect the heart of our community and the spirit of SOMP.
Originally part of a LinkedIn campaign, this collection now gives you the opportunity to revisit the individual contributions here.
Want to learn more about SOMP or how to become a member?
Program
We were excited to present a comprehensive program that awaited participants at the conference. Our lineup included a variety of presentations, workshops, panel discussions, a poster exhibition, and lab tours.
Enhancing the academic and professional offerings, we had organized a fantastic selection of events to ensure a well-rounded and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
- Welcome Reception: The conference was kicked off with a warm and engaging reception at RWTH`s Aachen Skylounge.
- Miners' Evening: Participants experienced the unique atmosphere of a real sand mine and marveled at the latest technologies at the Reallabor Nivelstein.
- Awards Dinner: Members’ achievements were celebrated in the magnificent Coronation Hall.
- Farewell Event: The conference concluded with a memorable evening at the Apollo.
In addition, we were pleased to offer a thoughtfully curated program for accompanying persons, providing a unique opportunity to participate in a variety of enriching activities that ran in parallel with the Technical Sessions of the Annual General Meeting.
This program aimed to give participants valuable insights into the culture, nature, and attractions of the region. The highlights of the program included:
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Exploring Heritage and Culture: Discovering the rich history and cultural significance of Aachen.
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Exploring Nature: Experiencing the breathtaking beauty of the Eifel National Park.
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Exploring Europe: Visiting the Three-Country Corner and the vibrant city of Maastricht, including the caves.
In addition to these activities, all participants had the opportunity to join a guided historic city tour of Aachen on September 6th, allowing them to explore the charming streets and iconic landmarks that define this remarkable city.
Partners were also cordially invited to partake in the social events of the AGM, including the Welcome Reception, the Miner’s Evening, the prestigious SOMP Awards Dinner, and the Farewell Event.
Venue Information
Aachen, a city steeped in history and charm, provided a picturesque and inspiring backdrop for our conference. Known for its impressive cathedral, vibrant academic atmosphere, and rich cultural heritage, Aachen was the perfect setting for meaningful exchanges and collaborations.
The event took place at various locations throughout Aachen. An overview of these locations was provided in the following image. The main venues were:
Bergbaugebäude der RWTH Aachen: This hosted the Council and Committee Meetings, as well as the Welcome Reception, Poster Exhibition, and Lab Tours. The building was renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and its significant contribution to mining research and education.
- Erholungsgesellschaft: Serving as the main venue for the conference, this historic society building provided an ideal setting for our sessions, workshops, and panel discussions. It was known for its elegant architecture and rich cultural heritage.
- Reallabor Nivelstein in Herzogenrath: The Miners' Evening was held here. This active quarry allowed participants to experience the latest mining technologies in action. It was a unique venue that showcased practical and innovative solutions in the mining industry.
- Krönungssaal in Aachen's Town Hall: The Awards Dinner took place in this magnificent hall, where we celebrated the achievements of our members. The grandeur of the Krönungssaal added a touch of historical significance to the event.
- Apollo: The Farewell Event took place at this iconic venue. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional acoustics, the Apollo was the perfect place to conclude our conference with a memorable evening.
For more information on RWTH Aachen University follow the link: RWTH Aachen University
For more information on Aachen in general follow the link of Aachen`s tourist service: https://www.aachen-tourismus.de/en