Dear Members,

It is a great honor and a true privilege to serve as President of the Society of Mining Professors. Thank you for the confidence you have placed in me. I accept this responsibility with enthusiasm, humility, and a strong commitment to serving a Society that, for decades, has brought together educators and researchers dedicated to advancing mining engineering education worldwide.

Our theme for the coming year is “Learning from History to Build the Future.”

Mining has always been a profession that builds on the achievements of previous generations. Our history is rich in knowledge, experience, teaching, research, technological development, and international collaboration. These achievements form the foundation upon which we continue to grow. At the same time, we are witnessing one of the most exciting periods in our profession's history. Digital technologies, artificial intelligence, automation, sustainability, and the growing importance of critical minerals are transforming both the mining industry and the way we educate future engineers.

As mining professors, we are uniquely positioned to connect these two worlds. We can learn from past successes and challenges while embracing the opportunities innovation offers. Understanding where our profession has come from helps us better understand where it can go. This connection between history and innovation is not only our responsibility; it is also our opportunity. By learning from the past and looking confidently towards the future, we can ensure that mining education remains relevant, forward-looking, and responsive to the needs of society.

Since joining SOMP, I have come to appreciate that our Society is much more than a professional organization. It is an international community built on friendship, generosity, and a shared commitment to excellence. The willingness of our members to exchange ideas, collaborate across borders, and support one another is what makes SOMP truly unique. I have been fortunate to learn from many of you, and I hope that together we will continue to strengthen these relationships and inspire new generations of educators and researchers.

During my presidency, I hope to strengthen these connections by encouraging greater participation, supporting collaborative initiatives in education and research, and creating new opportunities for engagement among experienced members, early-career academics, and PhD students. Our diversity of perspectives, experiences, and cultures is one of our greatest strengths, and together we can continue to shape the future of mining engineering education. If you have ideas for new initiatives or collaborations, I encourage you to share them. SOMP has always grown through the enthusiasm, commitment, and active participation of its members.

As we move forward under the theme “Learning from History to Build the Future,” I invite every member to contribute their ideas, expertise, and enthusiasm. Whether through our annual meetings, committees, working groups, collaborative projects, or simply by reaching out to a colleague, every contribution strengthens our Society and expands its impact.

Together, we can preserve the knowledge and experience that have shaped our profession, learn from the lessons of our history, and use them to educate the mining engineers who will build its future. Our heritage gives us purpose, and innovation gives us direction. Together, they will shape the future of mining engineering education.

Thank you for your continued commitment to the Society of Mining Professors.

Domingo Javier Carvajal Gómez
Associate Professor at the University of Huelva, SPAIN
2027 President, Society of Mining Professors