Dear Members of the Society of Mining Professors,

I extend my sincere congratulations and appreciation to my predecessor, Prof Langefeld, for organising an outstanding Annual General Meeting (AGM) at TU Clausthal. Prof Langefeld and his team curated an outstanding program that harmoniously intertwined with the rich history of the area. The dedication and engagement from the industry throughout the event have been exemplary. Every facet of the AGM was strategically devised and smoothly carried out. I would also like to acknowledge the Organising Committees for planning such captivating activities that undeniably enhanced the experience for all participants.

As the new President of this wonderful Society, I would like to introduce myself. I have over three decades of experience spanning research to on-site roles across five continents. After serving as a Research Assistant at Dokuz Eylül University in Izmir (Türkiye), where I earned my undergraduate, Master's, and PhD degrees, I spent four years in South Africa. This period included one year as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Witwatersrand and three years as a project manager at De Beers. In 2006, I moved to Sydney with my family and joined the School of Mining Engineering at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) as a Senior Lecturer. I was later promoted to Associate Professor in September 2011 and to Professor in October 2017. Throughout my career, I have published more than 250 research outputs and secured significant research funding related to all aspects of mining engineering. I have also supervised 20 PhD students to completion. Currently, I serve as the Chair of Mining Engineering at the School of Minerals and Energy Resources Engineering and the Deputy Director of the Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research at UNSW. I am recognised for founding and chairing the International Future Mining Conference Series, co-chairing the AusRock Conference Series, and Off-Earth Mining Forums. I have also established research collaborations with over 50 research organisations and universities worldwide.

My dedication to SOMP is unwavering, as reflected in my consistent participation and contributions since 2009. I have had the privilege to serve on the Member Development Committee, led the Research, Development & Industry Committee for several years, and served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Mines of The Future (a SOMP publication). I have also been serving as the SOMP Deputy Secretary-General. I have always felt that SOMP embodies the spirit of a large family, appropriately described as "Connecting the World," a sentiment Prof Langefeld echoed at the 2023 AGM. As I step into the role of President now, I am humbled and honoured.

Dear SOMP Members,

It is with great pleasure that I invite all SOMP members to attend the 34th Annual General Meeting of the Society of Mining Professors in Sydney, Australia, in September 2024. The School of Minerals and Energy Resources Engineering, UNSW Sydney, recognised globally for its excellence in mining research and education, will host this pivotal event from September 5–11, 2024.

We at UNSW continue to build on our enduring partnership with the Australasian Institute of Mining & Metallurgy (AusIMM), a leading professional body in the resources sector, with a dedication to promoting the industry's best practices and advancing earth science. Having successfully collaborated with UNSW on numerous occasions in the past, they will co-host our 2024 AGM.

Our host city, Sydney, harmonises both the contemporary and traditional. Framed by the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, this cosmopolitan city offers a unique and enriching experience with its breathtaking coastal landscapes, dynamic urban environment, and vibrant cultural heritage. Here, you will be immersed in Australia's diverse history, arts, and multicultural cuisine. I believe that our exciting event program and the charms of Sydney will make this a highly successful and truly memorable SOMP event.

This event features the opportunity to visit some high-tech mines in New South Wales. This unique experience will allow you to witness firsthand the cutting-edge technology utilised in the Australian mining industry. It presents an opportunity to see theoretical knowledge in action while offering a glimpse into the beauty of the Australian Outback.

I am also delighted to announce that all SOMP members will have a chance to attend the International Future Mining Conference hosted by UNSW and AusIMM from September 2 to 4, just prior to our AGM. This conference provides an excellent platform to delve deeper into the evolving landscape of the mining sector and explore the future of mining integrated with technology. The SOMP delegates will be offered a significant discount to attend the 6th International Future Mining Conference and have an opportunity to present their research on the conference topics.

To all delegates, SOMP members, spouses and partners travelling from various corners of the globe to participate in this landmark event, I extend my warmest greetings.

Our theme for this year, "Building Tomorrow Together through Integrating Technology and Embracing Diversity in Mining", resonates with the collective ethos of SOMP members for shaping a sustainable, technologically advanced, and culturally diverse future in mining.

I eagerly anticipate your valuable contributions as we jointly journey towards building a better, more inclusive future in the mining industry.

I look forward to meeting you all in Sydney.

2023-224 SOMP President
Professor Serkan Saydam