MINTEK-SCI Symposium

The Next Frontier: Emerging Scientists Driving Change 

Date: 01-02 October 2026 | Venue: Mintek 

Call for Abstracts 

Mintek invites researchers aged 35 and below from academia, industry, and research institutions to participate in Mintek-SCi, the Science Convention for Innovators.

Submissions are invited for oral and poster presentations, as well as abstracts for full papers, aligned to the symposium themes. Contributions will support the advancement of mineral and metallurgical innovation.

About Mintek-SCi 

Mintek is hosting its annual Mintek-SCi, a symposium for researchers under the age of 35 from Mintek, academia, industry, and research institutions, to present their work across a range of themes in science, technology, and innovation.

The symposium provides a platform for early-career researchers to share their research, receive peer feedback, and build professional networks. Selected abstracts will be considered for publication in conference proceedings or affiliated journals. CPD points will be awarded for participation.

Objectives 

Foster knowledge exchange between young researchers and industry professionals, promoting mutual learning and insight-sharing.
Catalyse the career growth of emerging researchers by recognising and showcasing their work to advance their professional development.
Drive innovation by inspiring fresh perspectives, shaping the future of mineral and metallurgical advancements through a blend of experience and innovation.
Promote collaboration among emerging researchers, fostering a mix of ideas  and expertise. 
 

Themes 

Critical Minerals 

• Sustainable Extraction Techniques for Critical Minerals
• Processing and beneficiation innovations
• Extraction from low-grade ores and secondary resources
   

Energy 

• Renewable energy applications in mining and processing
• Fuel cell technologies
• Energy storage solutions
• Hydrogen technologies and applications
• Energy efficiency in mineral processing, including milling and pyrometallurgy
• 
   

Emerging Technologies 

• Machine learning and artificial intelligence in mining and processing
• Process modelling and simulation
• Advanced process control
• Digital twins and smart operations
• Extraction technologies
• Advanced mineral applications and materials development

Sustainability & Circular Economy 

• Water treatment and management strategies
• Mine rehabilitation and closure practices
• Asbestos Rehabilitation
• Sustainable water use in mining operations
• Carbon emissions reduction and decarbonisation 

Who can participate? 

Who can participate? 

Submission Criteria

• Submissions are open to researchers from industry, academia, and research institutions.
• The submitting author must be 35 years or younger as at 02 October 2026.
• The submitting author must be the lead author and designated presenter of the work.
• For abstracts with multiple authors, the LEAD author must be 35 years or younger, and be the designated presenter
• Abstracts must align with one or more of the conference themes.

These criteria are intended to promote participation by early-career researchers and ensure the conference remains a platform for emerging talent.

Submission Requirements

1. Authors must submit an abstract and indicate whether the submission is for an oral or poster presentation.
2. Authors must indicate their intention to submit a full paper for publication should they wish to.
3. All submissions must be in English.
4. Presenters must be available to attend the conference in Johannesburg on 02 October 2026, as only in-person presentations will be accepted.
5. Abstracts must not exceed 500 words and must include a clear title, author(s) names, affiliations, and contact details, and must be prepared using the SAIMM template.
6. Abstracts must be submitted via SAIMM.
7. The organisers will provide invitation letters to selected presenters upon request.

Key Dates 

• Submission of Abstracts: 15 May 2026
• Review Complete: 12 June 2026
• Deadline for submission of paper: 30 June 2026
• Date of event: 02 October 2026
• All submissions must be in English.
• Clearly provide contact information for all authors and ensure accurate email addresses for correspondence.
• Submissions should align with the symposium themes and sub-themes and articulate the significance and contributions of the proposed work. 

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-SCI Symposium Sub-Themes

The Mintek-SCI symposium sub-themes aim to address critical aspects of the minerals industry's journey towards sustainability, providing a comprehensive and insightful exploration of challenges, innovations, and opportunities.

Submit your Abstract here.