Conference
GEOCONGRESS 2025 (GSSA, UFS)
The Geocongress is a prestigious biennial academic event that convenes leading academics, students, and industry experts from across the Republic of South Africa.
24 Jun 2025 08:00 - 27 Jun 2025 16:00
University of the Free State Campus
Event description
The Geocongress is a prestigious biennial academic event that convenes leading academics, students, and industry experts from across the Republic of South Africa.
About this event
The tenets of the Geocongress are to:
- Showcase the latest scientific advancements.
- Promote excellence in research.
- Enable scientific discourse to contribute to the development of geoscientific knowledge and practices.
The Geocongress is renowned for its rigorous academic sessions, workshops, and field excursions, which highlight the diverse and impactful work being undertaken in South Africa.
Beyond its role as a hub for scholarly exchange, the Geocongress offers unparalleled opportunities for engagement and professional development. Participants benefit from the chance to network with peers, mentors, and industry leaders and to foster collaborations that can lead to groundbreaking projects and initiatives. The event also provides a forum for students and emerging researchers to present their work, gain valuable feedback, and inspire future research endeavours. In bringing together a diverse community of geoscientists, the Geocongress not only strengthens the academic fabric of South Africa but also drives forward the practical application of geoscientific research in addressing local and global challenges.
Abstracts Call around the Approved sessions:
| Title | Description |
| AI-driven GIS-based Mineral Systems Approach to Mineral Prospectivity Mapping | Nowadays, exploration targeting is aided greatly by GIS-based mineral prospectivity modeling (MPM), which in the recent past has taken on the mineral systems approach and supported by artificial intelligence (AI) applications to model and integrate a variety of spatial proxies derived from suitable geoscience datasets. This session welcomes presentations of novel researches as well as case studies of AI-driven GIS-based mineral systems approach to MPM for exploration targeting in South Africa and elsewhere in the world. Applications of AI to process and analyze geological, geochemical, geophysical, remote sensing and drilling data to support exploration targeting are also welcome. |
| All About Igneous Provinces | Igneous Provinces are distributed throughout all the continents and oceans and are known on other planetary bodies. They have been emplaced throughout geologic time from the Archaean to the present day. Essentially every characteristic of igneous provinces varies widely. These include their age, size, speed of emplacement, geochemistry and petrology, continuity, geological and tectonic context and post-emplacement tectonic and eruptive activity. As a result, a one-size-fits-all theory for their genesis is ill-suited. Indeed, several different sources and genetic processes have been proposed, sometimes for the same province. Understanding them better is necessary, not only for our fundamental knowledge of how Earth works, but also because of their critical economic importance. This session seeks a broad range of presentations on the theme of igneous provinces that can potentially cast light on their origins and genesis processes. Contributions may cover any aspect of igneous provinces. They may describe individual igneous provinces, present new data, speculate on origins, sources and depth-extent of influence, or compare and contrast two or more igneous provinces. We particularly encourage comparisons between igneous provinces in Southern Africa and other parts of the world. The inclusion of proposals for future work that could form the basis of new research collaborations and projects going forward is also welcomed. We strongly encourage presentations by students and young researchers. |
| Applied Mineralogy: Providing Practical Solutions to Research and Industry | This session aims to highlight the role applied mineralogy plays in solving problems in research and industry. These can include challenges related to geology, ore modeling, mineral processing, and environmental matters. In addition to case studies, submissions focusing on advanced methodologies in applied mineralogy are also welcome. |
| Bolides, Impacts and Shock Phenomena | Relevant topics to include (but not restricted to): Impact structures and their evolution (could include impact processes themselves, or post-impact geological histories) Solar system materials; meteorites, asteroids, nearby planets (sources of meteorites, among other things); what can they tell us about early Earth evolution? Catastrophism or punctuated uniformitarianism: impact structures and their global influences, including extinctions, climate change, ash distributions, etc. Shocked minerals: what do they prove, and how are they useful? Other impact phenomena: pseudotachylites, breccias, suevites, impact melts, shattercones, and what they can and cannot tell us about impacts. Primitive igneous materials associated with impact structures: evidence of mantle melts, crustal melts or meteorites, and what are the implications for impact processes? Impact structures as potential hosts or influences for economic mineralisation |
| Celebrating 120 Years of the Geology Department at Rhodes University | The Geology Department was founded one year after the inauguration of the Rhodes University in 1904, headed by Prof. E.H.L. Schwarz. Six Heads of Department have seen it through the next 120 years. This session celebrates that history. Contributions are invited from (or involving) any past graduate or employee of Rhodes Geology over the last 120 years for a broad-themed session to highlight the contributions to the South African and international geoscience community from this department, always small, but always there. Possible themes within this session could include (but are not limited to) layered mafic intrusions and ore petrogenesis, Precambrian tectonics and petrogenesis, rift sedimentology and magmatism, Karoo Basin evolution, clay mineral petrogenesis, and others. An emphasis on reviewing breadth and depth of research in the field of choice is encouraged. |
| Cenozoic Onshore and Offshore Environments of Southern Africa | The South African Cenozoic sedimentary record provides important insights into past environments, often linked to famous fossil sites like West Coast Fossil Park, Florisbad, the Cradle of Humankind etc. The Cenozoic represent a unique time interval in Earth’s history, characterized by a changing climate, sea-level, and the evolution of life. This session will combine new results from disciplines such as sedimentology, geochemistry, sequence stratigraphy, palaeontology and palaeoceanography. The session is open to everyone focussing on sedimentology, paleoenvironmental reconstruction and modelling of the Cenozoic of southern Africa. |
| Coal in the Future | Despite a changing energy landscape, coal's potential is evolving. Exploration in previously unmined and reclamation of discard coals provides opportunities to fully characterise the carbon-based rock for consideration as alternative reserves of critical raw materials (including rare earth elements) and advanced materials (including carbon fibres and construction materials). Modern analyses can optimize our understanding of coal origin and formation, palaeoenvironments, coal use in metallurgy, gasification, and even generate new energy and chemical sources. Papers covering all aspects of the coal-value chain will be considered. |
| Elemental Evolution: How Technology is Redefining Resource Demand | Currently technological innovation is accelerating at an unprecedented pace and as a result the demand for specific elements and minerals has shifted. This session explores the impact of technological advancements on the commodities market - the exploration, mining and processing of it. We will explore how emerging technologies are driving the need for previously overlooked elements, reshaping the landscape of resource extraction and utilisation. This session is for researchers and industry professionals who are keen on staying ahead of the curve and identifying opportunities for future exploration and development. |
| Environmental Geology | Explore the dynamic interplay between geological processes and environmental sustainability in this session dedicated to Environmental Geology. Delve into cutting-edge research addressing soil contamination, groundwater pollution, and the impacts of mining activities. Share innovative strategies for mitigating environmental hazards and enhancing resource management. This session invites abstracts from researchers and practitioners aiming to contribute to a sustainable future through geological science. |
| Geodynamic Evolution of the Pan-African Orogeny and Implications for Mineral Exploration and Mining. | This theme focuses on exploring the Pan-African Orogeny in depth, emphasizing its geological significance, tectonic processes, and implications for mineral resources and economic development. Understanding orogenic processes and associated mineralisation requires a multi-faceted approach. Topics surrounding the Pan-African Orogeny include the tectonic evolution of Pan-African orogenic belts, their magmatic and metamorphic processes, metallogeny and economic geology, sedimentary processes and provenance studies, and geochronological and isotopic studies. We welcome all Pan-African Orogeny-related studies from a wide variety of disciplines such as remote sensing, structural geology, geophysics, geochronology, petrochronology, geochemistry, and thermodynamic modelling. |
| Geo-Energy and Petroleum Resources | The session will focus on conventional and unconventional resources, petrophysical reservoir analysis, reservoir characterization, reservoir modelling and simulation, source rock geochemistry, carbon capture and storage, and geothermal energy. |
| Geoheritage, Geotourism, and Geoparks | Africa is endowed with many geological sites of international significance, however, many sites are not properly identified and preserved. Therefore, there is a need for increased attention on geoheritage, geotourism, and geoparks contribution to sustainable development. The session will consider abstracts on geoheritage and its protection. Key themes to be covered are: - Methodologies on inventory of geoheritage; - Identification, inventory, and management of geoheritage; - Development and management of geotourism and geoparks; - Geoheritage contribution to sustainable development, community engagement and empowerment - Education and promotion of geoheritage; - Geoconservation; and - Legal framework on geoheritage, geotourism, and geoparks. |
| Geometallurgy as a tool for unlocking value in the mineral resources sector | There is an emerging consensus that the minerals sector requires interdisciplinary approaches towards efficient exploitation of a mineral resource. Geometallurgy involves untangling and parameterizing the inter-relationships between ore chemistry, mineralogy, textures, beneficiation responses, and product characteristics. This level of understanding is augmented with detailed consideration of the economics and environmental considerations underlying this entire workflow or mine value chain. This session encourages submissions that encompass geometallurgical characterization, minerals processing based on variable ore characteristics, and modelling studies (either across spatial scales, or using advanced financial- or Environmental-Societal-Governance models). |
| Geoscience and Society | This session critically reflects on the role of geosciences in society, focusing on public engagement initiatives, citizen science, and community outreach. It explores educational interactions with schools, geoscience exhibitions, communication campaigns, and other programmes designed for public benefit. The session highlights studies that examine the relationship between geoscience and the general public. Key themes include geoeducation, enhancing public understanding and perceptions of geosciences, empowering communities, particularly those affected by mining, man-made and natural disasters, fostering trust and addressing public fears about our dynamic planet, inspiring collaboration with citizens, and making geosciences more accessible to the public.” |
| Groundwater | Groundwater is a key resource for sustaining water and food security in South Africa and several other countries. The responsible management of this resource hinges on an in-depth understanding of the factors influencing its occurrence, quantity, quality, movement, and vulnerability to over-exploitation and contamination. The Groundwater session of the GeoCongress 2025 accepts abstracts on any groundwater-related investigations and scientific advances in addressing the exploration, characterisation, protection and sustainable management of this precious resource. |
| Hydrothermal and Placer Ores of Southern Africa | Southern Africa hosts a vast array of ore deposits formed by hydrothermal processes, placer processes, or by mixed processes. Hydrothermal processes are responsible for most base metal deposits exclusive of those associated with mafic-ultramafic intrusions, and include orogenic gold deposits, the Kalahari- and Central African copperbelts, and various sedimentary exhalative- and Mississippi Valley-type deposits, and polymetallic veins. The session includes the Witwatersrand goldfields, the genesis of which remains a topic of active debate. Recent advancements in understanding these deposits’ metallogeny, should serve to enhance the exploration paradigms and approaches for future supply of a diverse array of critical metal resources. |
| Kimberlites, Diamonds and the Deep Lithosphere | This session invites presentations on kimberlites and related magmas (lamproites, lamprophyres, carbonatites and alkaline volcanics), the geology, mineralogy and geochemistry of diamonds and diamond inclusions, and the petrology and geochemistry of the lithospheric mantle and lower crust, particularly based on the study of peridotite, eclogite, granulite and metasomatic xenoliths and megacrysts. |
| Palaeozoic-Mesozoic Sedimentary Environments in Southern Africa | The Palaeozoic-Mesozoic sedimentary rock record of southern Africa records evidence for major climatic changes, the evolution of life, extinction events and the development of sedimentary basins. This session invites abstracts that cover the period from the assembly to the break-up of Gondwana, encompassing marine and continental environments, highlighting the region's rich and diverse fossil heritage and sedimentary successions. We welcome contributions that focus on the application of sedimentology, provenance analysis, stratigraphy, palaeontology, palynology, ichnology, geochronology and other related disciplines to investigate the incredible local record we have. |
| Petrogenesis and Metallogenesis of Layered Intrusions | This session will focus on advances in the field of layered intrusion research, looking not only at the petrogenesis of layered intrusions, but also the processes responsible for the formation of world-class ore deposits hosted within layered intrusions. The session chairs hope to receive a good mix of contributions from academics, students and practicing geologists and envisage a strong focus on the Bushveld Complex. |
| Tectonics and Geodynamics | This session welcomes contributions from any discipline (including, but not limited to, structural geology, geophysics, sedimentology, seismology, thermochronology and geomorphology) which constrain the tectonic or geodynamic evolution of Southern Africa. Contributions focussing on any time period are welcome, but to reduce overlap this session will particularly focus on Phanerozoic. In South Africa topics could include the Cape Fold Belt, South Atlantic break-up, the development of the Southern African Plateau or recent neotectonic processes. Contributions related to seismic hazard (including the recent re-assessment of the Koeberg site) are also welcome. |
| The Archaean Earth: From Mantle Dynamics to Conditions for Early Life | This session aims to bring together presenters with a common interest in Archaean processes and in understanding the evolution of the Archaean Earth system. It explores geodynamic crust-mantle processes and changing tectonic styles from the Eoarchaean to the Neoarchaean-Paleoproterozoic boundary. This includes investigating secular changes of surface processes, environments, metamorphic style and igneous processes, but also the economic implications of these changes. The session also encompasses the earliest evidence for life in the Archaean rock record, ocean-atmosphere biogeochemical interactions and life-sustaining environments on the young Earth. |
| The Proterozoic in Africa | The Proterozoic is an important period in Africa’s geological history. It is a period characterized by the stabilization of major cratons, including the Congo, Kalahari and West African cratons. It was also a time of substantial tectonic activity, including rifting, subduction and continental collisions, which led to the breakup and amalgamation of supercontinents such as Rodinia and Columbia. The Pan-African orogeny (650–500 Ma) in particular played a crucial role in the formation of the present-day African continent. This era also saw significant sedimentation (including the earliest glacial deposits), volcanic activity, and the development of major ore deposits, particularly gold, iron and base metals. Additionally, the Proterozoic marks the proliferation of stromatolites and the first appearance of eukaryotic life, contributing to the gradual increase in atmospheric |
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GEOCONGRESS 2025 (GSSA, UFS)
24 Jun 2025 08:00 - 27 Jun 2025 16:00
University of the Free State Campus
Conference
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