YEMAYA Forum on Mining Education, Mining Careers, Resource Geopolitics and Sustainable Development

Global demand for critical raw materials is rapidly increasing, driven by the need for clean energy, digital innovation, and secure supply chains. At the same time, the legacy of mining continues to raise important concerns related to environmental degradation, social impacts, and community well-being.

This forum invites students, researchers, and industry professionals to engage with one of the most pressing questions of our time: how can mining evolve to meet growing global demand while remaining socially responsible, environmentally sound, and economically viable?

Our participants will explore the future of mining through the interconnected lenses of sustainability, innovation, and geopolitics. Discussions will address real-world challenges and practical solutions, including responsible extraction, ecosystem protection, fair resource governance, and international cooperation. In light of the growing relevance of terms such as “resource geopolitics” and “resource nationalism,” the forum will also accompany participants in understanding their practical implications, including economic and defense dimensions.

In parallel, the forum will address the evolving role of mining education in a sustainability-driven world. Particular attention has been given to career pathways for TUBAF students and young graduates, as well as the future skills required to navigate an increasingly competitive and evolving mining sector. At the end, participants will gain valuable insights into emerging opportunities across the mining value chain and develop a clearer understanding of how to build meaningful and future-oriented careers in this field.