Distinguished guests included Prof. Jürgen Kretschmann, Honorary Professor at HUMG, a member of the Society of Mining Professors (SOMP) and a representative of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO); Dr. Julia Haske of TH Georg Agricola University of Applied Sciences, Germany; Prof. Walter Frenz of RWTH Aachen University, Germany; and Mr. Bui Thanh Doan, Deputy General Director in charge of Safety at Ha Lam Coal Joint Stock Company. They were joined by researchers, experts and delegates from Kazakhstan, Colombia, Mongolia, Indonesia, Spain, Taiwan (China) and Viet Nam.
Representing HUMG were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Xuan Truong, President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen The Vinh, Vice President; Prof. Tran Thanh Hai, former President; and faculty members, researchers and students.
In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen The Vinh highlighted the challenges facing the mining and energy sectors amid the energy transition, technological advances and growing expectations for environmental and social responsibility. He emphasised that responding to these challenges required not only technological innovation but also sound economic policies, effective management and close cooperation between academia and industry. The conference aimed to encourage academic exchange, share practical experience and explore approaches to managing mineral resources efficiently, responsibly and sustainably.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen The Vinh, Vice President of HUMG, delivered the opening remarks
At the plenary session, two keynote presentations offered complementary perspectives on sustainable development in mining, connecting global challenges with management practices at the company level. Representing WFEO, Prof. Jürgen Kretschmann examined the challenges of global decarbonisation, particularly the growing demand for minerals and the environmental impacts of their extraction. He emphasised: “Mining is no longer a background sector. It is becoming one of the strategic pillars of global growth”. His presentation highlighted the importance of the circular economy, resource efficiency and industrial collaboration in advancing sustainable mining.
Prof. Jürgen Kretschmann delivered his keynote presentation on global decarbonisation and the circular economy
From a corporate management perspective, Mr. Bui Thanh Doan, Deputy General Director in charge of Safety at Ha Lam Coal Joint Stock Company, described a shift in management thinking that positioned occupational safety and health as a central pillar of the company’s development strategy, extending beyond regulatory compliance. His presentation explored how the company had developed a safety culture that supported operational performance while protecting workers. Notable achievements included four consecutive years without a fatal occupational accident and a Merit Award for occupational safety and health at the inaugural ISSA Mining Safety Award in Canada.
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Mr. Bui Thanh Doan shared his experience in safety management at Ha Lam Coal Mine
The conference programme featured more than 20 scientific presentations across the plenary and thematic sessions, covering economics and management in mining, energy and related sectors. Research on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, financial performance, cost management and working conditions addressed the need to balance operational and economic performance with corporate responsibilities towards workers, communities and the environment.
The thematic sessions examined management challenges arising from the energy transition and digital transformation. Topics included legal frameworks for artificial intelligence, the feasibility of renewable energy projects, digital technologies for carbon credit measurement and verification, and workforce development for the green transition. These discussions underscored the need to align economic management with technological innovation and environmental objectives in policymaking and planning for sustainable development.
Prof. Walter Frenz presented the European Union’s legal framework for artificial intelligence in mining
Dr. Julia Haske shared lessons from European Union projects on green jobs and EU–China cooperation
Following the sessions at HUMG, delegates visited Uong Bi Coal Company, part of the Vietnam National Coal–Mineral Industries Holding Corporation Limited (Vinacomin), to learn about underground coal mining, production mechanisation and corporate management. The visit connected the issues discussed at the conference with the realities of mining operations. Delegates also visited Chu Van An Temple, gaining further insight into Vietnamese history and culture.
Discussions at EMMA+ 8 highlighted the contribution of economic research to policymaking and management decisions as the mining and energy sectors undergo transformation. Examining international experience alongside Vietnamese practice helped identify issues requiring further attention and suggested avenues for research and management solutions tailored to the needs of enterprises.
First held in 2013 through cooperation between HUMG and TH Georg Agricola University of Applied Sciences, Germany, EMMA has developed into an international academic forum on economic management in mineral activities. Over eight editions, its scope has expanded from mining economics to encompass interdisciplinary issues relating to energy, the environment, technology and sustainable development. With researchers, experts and delegates from five continents participating both in person and online, EMMA+ 8 further strengthened international academic networks and encouraged the exchange of knowledge and experience. In doing so, the conference reinforced HUMG’s role in connecting the international research community and advancing economic management and governance solutions for sustainable development in the resources and energy sectors.
Delegates posed for a group photo at the EMMA+ 8 International Conference