2026 SEG Workshop on Intelligent Geophysics for Safe Mineral Resources Exploration and Disaster Mitigation

9–11 October 2026
Shaoshan, China

Mineral resources are the cornerstone of modern industrial systems. However, limitations in exploration technology precision and delays in identifying geological hazards during extraction remain core constraints to achieving safe and efficient operations in global mining industry. As a fundamental method for subsurface resource detection and hazard identification, geophysical technology plays an irreplaceable role in various stages, including mineral resource reserve assessment, structural mapping, basin and aquifer characterization for brine resources, mined-out area detection, coal and groundwater hazard monitoring. As operations extend to deep mines and more complex geological conditions, these challenges become even more pronounced. With the deep integration of artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of Things with traditional geophysical exploration, innovative breakthroughs in intelligent equipment development, high-precision data processing, multi-physics data fusion, and real-time dynamic monitoring are providing new solutions for green exploration and safe extraction of mineral resources.

To gather global expertise from the geophysical and mining sectors, establish a collaborative innovation platform integrating industry, academia, research, and application, and facilitate in-depth exchanges, the SEG Workshop on Intelligent Geophysics for Safe Mineral Resources Exploration and Disaster Mitigation will be held in China in 2026. Focusing on cutting-edge technologies and practical challenges in the industry, the workshop will feature multiple themed forums, results exhibitions, and technology matchmaking sessions. Experts, scholars, technical professionals, and industry representatives are cordially invited to participate and explore new pathways for the high-quality development of the mining sector.

Technical Co-Chairs

Bozhi Ren
Hunan University of Science and Technology

Lee Slater
Rutgers University Newark

Majid Khan
University of Science and Technology Beijing

Mengli Zhang
Colorado School of Mines

Taqi Alyousuf
Aramco

Xuri Huang
Southwest Petroleum University

Yanlin Zhao
Hunan University of Science and Technology

1. Intelligent Geophysical Exploration for Mineral Resources
   • AI-driven processing and interpretation of seismic, electromagnetic, gravity, and magnetic exploration data 
   • Multi-source geophysical data fusion and modeling technology 
   • Drone Geophysics, Microseismic, Acoustic Emission 
   • Precise detection methods for deep and concealed mineral resources
2. Intelligent Geophysical Detection of Mining Hazards
   • High-resolution detection of hazardous geological structures, such as mined-out areas, collapse columns, water-conducting fracture zones, and fault-controlled aquifers
   • Real-time dynamic monitoring of mining-induced hazards, including dynamic failure, rockbursts, gas outbursts, water inrush, and subsidence
   • Advanced geophysical assessment of slope stability to predict and prevent instabilities such as collapse and landslides in both open-pit and underground mines
3. Development of Intelligent Geophysical Technologies
   • R&D of lightweight and intelligent exploration equipment 
   • Application of new equipment such as UAV aerial surveys, borehole geophysics, and underground robotic detection 
   • Technological upgrades for geophysical monitoring equipment during drilling, and brine production operations
4. Intelligent Geophysical Support for Green Mining
   • Geophysical methods for ecological and environmental monitoring during mineral resource extraction 
   • Geophysical detection of tailings dam safety hazards and brine containment integrity
   • Geophysical assessment for geological environment restoration of closed mines 
5. Big Geophysics Data and Intelligent Platform Development
   • Standardization and sharing mechanisms for mining geophysical data 
   • R&D of intelligent exploration decision support systems 
   • Application of digital twin technology in mineral exploration and hazard detection

Who Should Attend

• Research Area – Geophysics, Geology, Mining, AI 
• Mining Enterprises – Exploration, Production, Safety, Remediation 
• Tech & Equipment – Smart Instruments, UAVs, Robotics, Software 
• Regulatory Bodies – Surveying, Mine Safety, Standards 
• Investment & Services – Capital, Consulting, Incubation, Int’l Collaboration 
• Cross-Sector – Digital Twins, Big Data, Intelligent Decision Systems