The SAIMM is a professional institute with local and international links aimed at assisting members source information about technological developments in the mining, metallurgical and related sectors.
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32ND SOMP ANNUAL MEETING AND CONFERENCE

Date 08 September 2022
- 14 September 2022
Location WINDHOEK COUNTRY CLUB & RESORT
Resources SAIMM Event Registration Process-14032022.pdf
SOMP Abstracts Received-15062022.pdf
SOMP Announcement & CFP-22032022.pdf
SOMP Final Programme-27082022.pdf
We are no longer accepting registration for this event

Background

8-11 SEPTEMBER 2022 TOURS AND TECHNICAL VISITS
12-14 SEPTEMBER 2022 CONFERENCE

WINDHOEK COUNTRY CLUB & RESORT, WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA

It is with deep honour, that I hereby extend this invitation to you, dear esteemed members, to the 32nd SOMP Conference and annual meeting to be hosted by the Namibian University of Science and technology at the Avani Hotel and Casino, Windhoek, Namibia, from 8-14 September 2022. I wish to extend my fraternal greetings to the delegates, SOMP members, spouses and partners who will travel from around the globe to be part of this landmark conference. From my end, I revere this opportunity; and as we collectively put shoulder to wheel to achieve a successful conference, I wish to call upon your continued and generous cooperation as we prepare for this conference.

Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) is honored to collaborate with Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) and Society of Mining Professors (SOMP) to host the conference and annual meeting. Our thrust to push the frontiers of innovation in minerals engineering is amply demonstrated in our great plans for a centre for minerals resources engineering that will serve the entire sub-Saharan region as the centre of excellence in minerals research and development. As a university, we have been at the forefront of fostering major global collaborations and we are hopeful that we will continue to harness the strengths that derive from continued collaboration, premised on our quest for quality and excellence.

Once again, the conference comes at a time, when the mining industry is grappling with multiple challenges. As a global academic body of respected character, we continue to foster valuable relations with an industry that faces an urgent need to transform its approach to business. The business, stakeholder and technological landscapes are fast evolving, faster than at any juncture in modern history. Therefore, of particular importance, is our ability to define with accuracy, the prevailing global context, as we face a possibly exciting future, while drawing useful lessons from the past as well as a fast dying present. Indeed, the race for ownership of the future is aggressive and acrimonious. At the same time, the call for sustainability and accountability to local communities is more pronounced, as voice continues to be added to expectation, with unparalleled clarity. Our contribution to the mining industry discourse, in the form of relevant research and well-trained graduates, remains a top priority.

Namibia is richly endowed with mineral resources, and the mining industry significantly contributes to the national economy. Namibia also boasts a strategic geographical location, making it a major economic gateway to the southern Africa region. With a stable political climate, diverse cultural heritage, sound infrastructure, and a beautiful climate, this country is a shining jewel on the African continent. I can express it with certainty and confidence, that the warmth of the Namibian people can only be ideal for our delegates and the country has a lot to offer to the delegates, pre-conference and post-conference itinerary.

The program of our Annual General Meeting will follow a participatory and interdisciplinary approach through the following activities; conference presentations, workshops, panels, parallel sessions, poster presentations and open discussions. It will also include a spouses and partners programme, pre-conference and post-conferences technical tours. The accompanying persons program includes tours to the Museum, City tour Windhoek, Game Drive and lunch as well as community tours.

I look forward to a great conference and meeting. I also wish to urge you to explore the unique opportunity to experience our wonderful Namibian hospitality and country during your stay.
We invite you to register from now on for the conference as well as to the technical visits and the accompanying persons program. We recommend that you book your accommodation – in Windhoek – in advance; the demand for hotel rooms in the winter season is very high. However, the hotels mentioned in this document will have a special rate for the conference attendees.