The International Symposium on Earth Resources Management and Environment (ISERME) 2024, held on September 2-3 at Hokkaido University, Japan, convened academics, researchers, and industry professionals to discuss the latest advancements and challenges in the field of Earth Resources and Mineral Engineering. This symposium, jointly organized by Hokkaido University, Japan, and the Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, featured technical sessions, keynote addresses, and collaborative discussions aimed at fostering innovation and sustainable development in the mining and minerals sector.
The event, chaired by Professor Tsubasa Otake, Head of the Division of Sustainable Resources Engineering at Hokkaido University, provided a valuable platform for exchanging ideas and forging partnerships that will shape the future of sustainable mining and resource management.
The technical sessions of symposium opened with two insightful keynote speeches. Professor Youhei Kawamura from the Division of Sustainable Resources Engineering, Hokkaido University, delivered a talk titled "Environmentally Harmonious Mining System Utilizing Knowledge from Inactive and Abandoned Mine Management – SATREPS Project for Kazakhstan." The address emphasized the importance of integrating sustainable practices into mining. Dr. S. P. Chaminda, Head of the Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa, presented on "Geospatial Technology for Better Decision-Making and Planning," highlighting the transformative role of geospatial tools in enhancing decision-making in resource management.
Technical Sessions on the first day included presentations and discussions on cutting-edge research in sustainable mining practices, mineral processing, innovative technologies for resource optimization and Resources Engineering. These sessions served as a platform for sharing knowledge and exploring solutions to industry challenges.
On the second day, Technical Visits provided attendees with hands-on insights into practical applications of the discussed research. Participants toured the Japan CCS Co., Ltd. Tomakomai CCS Demonstration Project Center and Nippon Steel Muroran Works, witnessing advanced carbon capture and storage techniques and sustainable steel production practices.
The symposium also facilitated discussions between academics from Hokkaido University and the University of Moratuwa on potential collaborative research projects. Topics ranged from environmentally friendly mining technologies to geotechnical applications and the use of advanced geospatial techniques. These discussions underscored the commitment of both universities to foster international cooperation and address global challenges in the Earth Resources Engineering domain.