Guenter Fettweis Award
The Günter Fettweis Award recognizes SOMP Members who have been active members of the Society for many years and demonstrated significant engagement and contributions to the Society and its objectives.
In particular, the Award recognizes contributions in the field of relevant mining educational disciplines, including ongoing development and enhancement of educational programs, international collaboration, and discipline-focused recognition.
The award is named after Professor Guenter B. Fettweis, who, in 1990, assembled a group of Mining Engineering Professors at his University, Montanuniversitat in Leoben, Austria, and reconstituted the historical Society of Mining Professors. Professor Fettweis became the first president of the newly formed society and an inspiring leader of SOMP. Professor Fettweis serves as an example to his colleagues for his enthusiasm and commitment to the goals of the Society.
Award Committee
Past Secretary General, President-Elect, and members at large.
2024-2025 Award Committee
- Prof. Michael Karmis, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, USA, Coordinator
- 2024-2025 President Elect: Assoc. Prof. Emily Sarver, Virginia, USA
- Member at Large: Prof. Zach Agioutantis, University of Kentucky, USA
- Member at Large: Prof. Helmuth Mischo, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Germany
Deadlines
Nominations should be submitted to the Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Michael Karmis, by April 1, 2025.
Nomination Letter
Nomination letters should include:
- how the nominee meets the criteria for the award (not more than 2 pages)
- an abbreviated resume of the candidate
- a suggested award citation (30 words or less)
Awardee List
| Year | Winner | Citation |
| 2012 | Prof. Michael Karmis | In recognition of his accomplishments in education, research and professional service and for his vision and contributions to the Society of Mining Professors |
| 2013 | none | |
| 2014 | Prof. Huw Phillips | For his contributions to the educational programs of the society, his leadership in representing Africa in the society’s council and for his role in building, promoting and transitioning Mining Education in South Africa. |
| 2015 | Prof. Per Martens | For his distinguished contributions to the advancement of underground mining systems, his pioneering work on mass flow of metallic raw materials and sustainable resource management and for enriching the profession through outreach workshops and conferences. |
| 2016 | Prof. Mario Cedrón Lassus | For his significant contributions to the international mining education community, his commitment in promoting sustainable development mining practices and his leadership in SOMP activities in Latin America |
| 2017 | none | |
| 2018 | none | |
| 2019 | Prof. Jürgen Kretschmann | For his dedication to the mission and goals for the Society of Mining Professors, exceptional enthusiasm in developing international programs and partnerships, unique contributions to capacity building efforts and his leadership and accomplishments as the 2018-19 President of the Society |
| 2020 (presented in 2021) | Prof. Oliver Langefeld | For his leadership in advancing mining engineering research and education, his commitment to capacity building and diversity of the Society and the discipline, and his impact and contributions to the values and mission of the Society of Mining Professors (SOMP)/Societät der Bergbaukunde. |
| 2021 | none | |
| 2022 | none | |
| 2023 | Prof. Ronny Webber-Youngman | For his significant contributions to mining education, his vision and leadership to promote SOMP activities in South Africa and the region and his committment and innovations to bridge the path between the academic discipline and mining practice |
| 2024 | Assoc. Prof. Harmony Musiyarira | For his dedicated Service and Contributions to SOMP Global Programs and Activities, his Commitment in Promoting Sustainable Mining Practices and his Leadership in Representing SOMP in Africa |