The symposium, held in 2026 - a year marked by significant milestones - served as a key academic event celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Department of Geology and launching a series of international conferences leading up to the University’s 60th anniversary. It attracted strong academic engagement, with 32 scientific submissions, 27 papers selected for publication, and 12 outstanding contributions presented during the thematic sessions.
The symposium was attended by H.E. Jim Nickel - Ambassador of Canada to Viet Nam; Prof.Dr Phillip Choi - Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Regina (Canada); Dr. Ha Nguyen - Managing Director of the Saskatchewan Vietnam Office; along with representatives from universities, research institutes, and industry in Viet Nam and abroad.
On behalf of HUMG, participants included Prof. Dr Tran Thanh Hai - Rector; Assoc. Prof. Trieu Hung Truong - Vice Rector; Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Ngoc Khanh - Vice Rector; Dr. To Xuan Ban - Dean of the Faculty of Geosciences and Geoengineering; together with representatives of faculties, departments, academic staff, and students.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr Tran Thanh Hai emphasized that, in the context of the global energy transition, critical minerals play a pivotal role in enabling clean energy technologies. He also noted that this transition presents significant challenges related to sustainable resource extraction, environmental protection, and resource security. In this regard, he reaffirmed HUMG’s commitment to serving as an academic bridge, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange in the fields of geology and mineral resources.
Prof. Dr Tran Thanh Hai delivered the opening remarks at ISCMRDET 2026
In his address, H.E. Jim Nickel, Ambassador of Canada to Viet Nam highlighted the essential role of critical minerals in supply chains for renewable energy, electric vehicles, and advanced technologies. He noted that these resources form the foundation of modern energy systems worldwide and underscored the strong potential for cooperation between Viet Nam and Canada in developing mineral resources in a sustainable manner.
H.E. Jim Nickel addressed the ISCMRDET 2026
Representing the academic partner, Prof.Dr Phillip Choi, University of Regina, observed that the sector is shifting its focus from expanding extraction to enhancing the value of mineral resources through scientific research, technological innovation, and value chain optimization.
Prof. Dr Phillip Choi delivered remarks at the ISCMRDET 2026
In his speech, Dr. Ha Nguyen, Managing Director of the Saskatchewan Vietnam Office, emphasized the growing cooperation between Saskatchewan and Viet Nam in mining and education, highlighting opportunities for technology transfer and clean energy development.
Dr. Ha Nguyen delivered a speech at ISCMRDET 2026
During the General Session, presentations addressed three key dimensions of critical mineral resource development, namely energy transition and mineral processing, the role of strategic minerals in shaping future resource security, and environmentally sustainable approaches to seabed mineral resources. These contributions underscored the strong linkage between mineral resource development and the global energy transition.
Assoc. Prof. Dr Takashi Sasaoka (Kyushu University) delivered his presentation at the General Session
In the two symposia, discussions focused on both the geology and potential of critical mineral resources and sustainable approaches to mining, processing, and recovery. Presentations examined mineralization processes, rare earth element (REE) deposits, and geological controls on resource formation, while also addressing ESG considerations, technological solutions for mineral beneficiation, and innovative engineering approaches to improving efficiency and environmental performance in mining operations.
Prof. Dr Raman Paranjape (UoR) delivered his presentation at the Symposium
Dr. Aldin Ardian (Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Yogyakarta) shared his research at the Symposium
Building on these presentations, discussions among domestic and international scholars provided valuable insights, contributing to the development of new approaches to sustainable mineral resource development and opening up opportunities for research collaboration and technology transfer.
Participants engaged in discussions at ISCMRDET 2026
Prior to the symposium, on April 17, 2026, participants conducted a field trip to the Sin Quyen copper mine in Lao Cai Province, where they examined practical aspects of mining operations and related research findings in a real-world context.
The ISCMRDET 2026 Symposium highlighted key issues in critical mineral resource development in the context of the global energy transition, while opening up new directions for research and international cooperation. Building on these outcomes, HUMG continues to strengthen its position in international research and collaboration networks in the field of critical mineral resources for the energy transition.
Delegates posed for a group photo at ISCMRDET 2026