Dear SOMP Members,

It is with great honor and excitement that I step into the role of President of the Society of Mining Professors (SOMP), a global community bound by shared values and ambitions, for 2024-2025.

Mining today faces a broad spectrum of challenges, not only in terms of the energy transition and minerals needed for climate protection measures but also in supporting prosperity, social development, and sustainability. These challenges make it a particularly critical time for our profession as we navigate the complexities of ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of raw materials while addressing the broader goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Cooperation and knowledge exchange, I believe, are essential to address this spectrum of challenges effectively. This is precisely why associations like SOMP are vital to fostering exchange so that we can best fulfill our individual and collective roles in education, research, and capacity-building.

With our focus on education and mining and minerals programs sustainability, research, industry collaboration, capacity building, and member development, SOMP plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges of our time and allows us to adapt and evolve along with those challenges.

I consider the work of our committees an essential ingredient to our continued growth and impact. Strengthening cooperation with other international associations and institutions will also be a key goal as we seek to expand our influence and foster global collaboration.

I am delighted to announce that the 35th SOMP Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place in September 2025 in Aachen, a city renowned for its academic excellence and rich historical significance. The AGM will feature an exciting and content-rich program, including great sessions, interactive workshops, and insightful panel discussions.

The event will also offer memorable experiences, such as an evening at our exploratory sandbox “Reallabor Nivelstein” and a special awards dinner in the magnificent Coronation Hall in Aachen, celebrating the achievements and contributions of our members.

This is a time of great challenge and opportunity. I look forward to welcoming you all to Aachen in 2025, where we will continue our mission to shape the future of mining education and research together.

Warm regards and Glückauf,

Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Elisabeth Clausen
2024-2025 SOMP President