Guenter Fettweis Award

The Guenter Fettweis Award recognizes active SOMP Members for accomplishments and excellence in education, research and professional service to advance the discipline of mining engineering and for significant contributions to the Society.

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 historic Society of Mining Professors. Professor Fettweis became the first President of the newly formed society and an inspired 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.

2019-2020 Committee

Prof. Michael Karmis, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, USA, Coordinator

  • 2019-2020 President Elect: Harmony Musiyarira, Technical University of Namibia, Namibia
  • Member at Large: Zach Agioutantis, University of Kentucky, USA
  • Member at Large: Helmuth Mischo, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Germany

Deadlines

Nominations should be submitted to the Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Michael Karmis, by April 2020.

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)

Winner List

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