SEG / iCRAG 2026 African Students Symposium: The Central African Copperbelt

In June, the Society of Economic Geologists (SEG) and the Irish Centre for Research in Applied Geosciences (iCRAG), University College Dublin joined forces to co-convene a landmark symposium for senior undergraduate students from Central African universities. Conceived as a broad-based exploration masterclass, the event set out to inspire and equip the next generation of mineral explorers in one of the world's most geologically active regions.

Held in Kitwe, Zambia, in the heart of the Central African Copperbelt, the three-day event was energetic and lively, drawing over 120 student participants alongside ~60 local and international industry and academic professionals. The first two days were packed with formal presentations and lively panel discussions spanning everything from artisanal mining and cutting-edge exploration technologies to career development. The final day shifted to the field, with hands-on rock discussions at the Kalalushi core sheds — an impressive and historic facility hosting over 110 km of drill core.

The academic sessions opened with a keynote from the University of Oxford's Visiting Professor Mike Daly, who presented a new tectonic framework for the African Copper Basin, drawing on findings from the Department of Earth Science's Copper Basin Exploration Science (CuBES) project. A series of regional and technical talks followed from industry heavyweights including Barrick Mining, First Quantum Mining, KoBold Metals, Somika Minerals, Minex SARL, and Musamu Resources. Academic voices were equally wide-ranging, with contributions from the University of Zambia (UNZA), Lubumbashi University (DRC), Laurentian University (Canada), Centre for Ore Deposit and Earth Sciences (University of Tasmania), iCRAG (University College of Dublin), the Universities of Pretoria and Stellenbosch (South Africa) and the Leuven Institute for Sustainable Metals (Belgium).

Across three days of rich discussion, knowledge-sharing, and networking, one thing stood out above all: the sheer enthusiasm and calibre of the region's emerging geoscience talent. The student "Speed-Talk" sessions were a particular highlight — the knowledge, confidence, and polish on display from these undergraduates bodes well for the future of geoscience in Central Africa.

Warm thanks go to the generous sponsors — Barrick, FQM, Ivanhoe, KoBold, and Prospect Resources — and to SEG and iCRAG for their vital support in making the event possible. Finally, special thanks to Professor Murray Hitzman of iCRAG, the visionary behind this initiative, for bringing it to life and inviting the University of Oxford to participate.