Chinese delegates posing for a group photo at the venue
Professor Bian Zhengfu from our university delivering the keynote address at the conference
From September 21 to 24, the 19th International Congress of the International Society for Mine Surveying (ISM) was held in Cape Town, South Africa. Five faculty members and two doctoral students from CUMT attended the congress and delivered presentations.
Professor Bian Zhengfu from the School of Environment and Spatial Informatics was invited to deliver a keynote report titled “Mine Surveying Science and Technology for Contemporary and Future Mining Industries.” Professor Zhang Shaoliang, Professor Zha Jianfeng, doctoral student Linghu Kai, and doctoral student Gong Renjie delivered oral academic reports respectively. Professor Yang Yongjun, on behalf of the ISM Coordinate Division, reported to the Board during the Board meeting on the work carried out by the Coordinate Division since its establishment in 2023 and its next work plan. CUMT Distinguished Professor and former ISM President Huang Leting, ISM Commission I President Bian Zhengfu, and Secretary-General of the ISM Coordinate Division Professor Yang Yongjun attended the ISM Executive Board meeting and the 53rd Full Meeting of Board Members. The ISM Coordinate Division based at CUMT participated throughout the congress in publicity, coordination, and organization, receiving wide acclaim from ISM President Professor Hendrik Grobler of the University of Johannesburg and other international peers.
Following nomination, review, and confirmation by the Board, the congress awarded Professor Bian Zhengfu of CUMT the ISM Lifetime Achievement Award, Professor Huang Leting the title of ISM Honorary Member, and doctoral students Linghu Kai and Gong Renjie the Best Oral Presentation Award. At the Board meeting, the Seed Committee jointly proposed by China University of Mining and Technology, Colorado School of Mines, and other institutions was officially approved by the Board after three years of preparation, becoming ISM Commission VII. Professor Zhang Kefei of CUMT was nominated as Chair of the Commission. Meanwhile, Professor Bian Zhengfu was reconfirmed as President of ISM Commission I, with his term extended to September 2029.
It is noted that this congress was hosted by the Southern African Institute of Mine Surveyors and the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. More than 200 representatives from universities, government departments, research institutions, enterprises, and industry associations from 16 countries attended the congress, and 14 related research institutions and manufacturers participated in the technical exhibition, showcasing their latest products and achievements to participants. The International Society for Mine Surveying was founded in 1969 and recognized as a non-governmental organization by UNESCO in 1977, with 44 member countries. The Society holds a congress every three years. The 18th International Congress of the International Society for Mine Surveying was hosted by CUMT, and the 20th International Congress will be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in 2029. During this year’s congress, the 53rd ISM Board Members Meeting decided that the 21st International Congress will be held in Perth, Australia, in 2032.
