Announcing Mintek@90 Conference
Join us for a remarkable milestone as Mintek, South Africa's foremost mineral and metallurgical innovation research council, celebrates its 90th year of groundbreaking contributions to the industry.
Mintek-Sci (Science Convention of Innovators)
The Next Frontier: Emerging Scientists Driving Change
Date: 02 October 2025 | Venue: Mintek
Call for Abstracts
Mintek extends a warm invitation to researchers aged 35 and below from academia, industry, and research institutions to join us at Mintek-SCi (Science Convention for Innovators). We invite you to be part of this vibrant gathering and contribute significantly to the advancement of mineral and metallurgical innovation.
Your expertise and insights are crucial in propelling our industry forward. By submitting abstracts aligned with the symposium themes, you will not only enrich the collective knowledge but also play a pivotal role in shaping the future of minerals and metallurgy.
About Mintek-SCi
Mintek is hosting its second annual Mintek-Sci (Science Convention of Innovators), a symposium aimed at young researchers under 35, both from Mintek and other institutions to showcase their cutting-edge work across diverse themes.
Mintek-SCi highlights Mintek's commitment to nurturing the next generation of researchers and strengthening its position as a leader in advancing science and technology in the industry. This convergence of experience and innovation is crucial in shaping the future of mineral and metallurgical advancements, providing a unique space for these emerging talents to showcase their cutting-edge work across diverse themes. CPD points will be earned for participation.
Objectives
Themes
Critical Minerals
Energy
Emerging Technologies
Unlocking Resources - Ways of the Future
Sustainability & Circular Economy
Who can participate?
Prospective presenters aged 35 and under (as at 02 October 2025) from industry, academia, and research institutions are invited to contribute to Mintek-SCi by submitting abstracts aligned with the conference themes. In the case of abstracts with multiple authors, at least 50% of the authors must be aged 35 or under to ensure a diverse and youthful perspective in the presentations. This requirement is designed to foster a dynamic exchange of ideas and promote the involvement of emerging talents in the scientific community.
Guidelines
Authors may submit abstracts or standalone presentations.
Key Dates
The review process will evaluate each abstract rigorously, ensuring only the most compelling ideas rise to the forefront. We invite you to submit your contributions, which will drive meaningful change and create a lasting impact on the future of our industry. Join us in shaping progress together!
ECSA Validated CPD Activity, Credits = 0.1 points for every hour attended.
Mintek is hosting its second annual Mintek-Sci (Science Convention of Innovators), a symposium aimed at young researchers under 35, both from Mintek and other institutions, to showcase their cutting-edge work across diverse themes.
Exploration of innovative applications of renewable energy sources in industry operations
Examination of the role and advancements in fuel cell technology within the industry, aiming to reduce environmental impact and improve energy utilisation.
Discussion on various energy storage methods and their applicability in operations, emphasising sustainable and efficient storage solutions.
Exploration of the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy source in mining processes and its impact on reducing carbon footprint.
Analysis of strategies and technologies to improve energy efficiency across operations, minimising resource consumption and environmental impact.
Exploring ways to optimise energy use and reduce environmental impact in milling and pyrometallurgical processes
Strategies and technologies for treating water impacted by mining activities, ensuring responsible water management and minimising environmental harm.
Discussion on effective mine rehabilitation practices to restore ecosystems and promote environmental sustainability.
Exploration of techniques and best practices for the responsible rehabilitation of areas impacted by asbestos mining.
Examination of sustainable water use practices in mining operations, addressing conservation and responsible water management.
Strategies and technologies to reduce carbon emissions in mining processes, contributing to global decarbonisation efforts.
Discussion on the integration of environmental, social, and governance principles into mining practices, ensuring responsible and ethical industry standards.
Exploration of the applications of machine learning and artificial intelligence in the mining industry, aiming to enhance efficiency.
Examination of advanced process modelling techniques to optimise operations, ensuring sustainable resource extraction and utilisation.
Discussion on innovative process control technologies to improve the precision and effectiveness of mining processes, minimising waste and environmental impact.
Exploration of the concept of digital twinning in the mining sector, emphasising its role for better monitoring, analysis, and optimisation.
By employing techniques like responsible mining and renewable energy utilisation, sustainable extraction balances economic growth with ecological integrity, paving the way for a more resilient future.
Recent advancements in processing technology have revolutionised industries, enhancing efficiency and accuracy. From automation tools that streamline workflows to artificial intelligence algorithms that analyse data faster than ever, these innovations are pivotal.
The circular economy aims to minimise waste and maximise resource efficiency, especially for critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements. By recycling these materials and reusing them in new technologies, we can reduce environmental impacts while ensuring a sustainable supply chain.
Examination of advanced materials with a focus on value addition.Discussion on advanced techniques for extracting and beneficiating critical raw materials, ensuring responsible and sustainable sourcing.
Exploration of materials used in energy-related applications with a focus on sustainability and efficiency.
Focus on sustainable methods of extracting minerals from low-grade and secondary resources, ensuring responsible resource utilisation and reducing environmental impact.
Exploration of strategies and technologies to secure a sustainable supply of critical raw materials, addressing challenges and opportunities in their extraction and processing.
Join us for a remarkable milestone as Mintek, South Africa's foremost mineral and metallurgical innovation research council, celebrates its 90th year of groundbreaking contributions to the industry.
Mintek is proud to announce the MINTEK@90 Conference, scheduled for the 11th and 12th of November 2024. In partnership with the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) and the Department…