Article published IMSSA Journal October 2010

After three years as the President of the International Society for Mine Surveying (ISM), Mike Livingstone-Blevins handed over the reins to Professor Axel Preusse of Germany at the Members Assembly of the XIV International Congress held at Sun City in September 2010.

The Institute of Mine Surveyors hosted the XIV International Congress of the ISM -  a first for the African continent and the second time ever in the southern hemisphere. This historical occasion played out in a week of conferencing, technical mine visits and social activities at the internationally acclaimed Sun City Resort. Delegates enjoyed a selection of quality technical papers presented by academics and practitioners from all over the world.

Suppliers of surveying equipment, software and services demonstrated their products in a world class exhibition of technology during the course of the week, fascinating everyone from novices to specialists.

An early morning golfing date had the keen golfers testing the greens of the legendary Lost City Golf Course. Early morning and late afternoon game drives to the local Pilanesberg Game Reserve provided a never-to-be-forgotten experience for our international visitors who got to see the “big five” and an even bigger “bush fire” at the park.

Some fascinating visits to local mines were organised and were well attended.  There were two evenings of spectacular entertainment in the form of an opening ceremony with entertainment in true African style with a banquet and dancing in the Amphitheatre and later in the week, a gala black tie evening with superb cuisine and what could rate as even more superb musical entertainment.

The Local Organising Committee of the Institute of Mine Surveyors organized an exceptional and world class event of which we can all be proud of.  This would not have been possible without their dedicated work and the commitment of all sponsors, big and small.

Many thanks to all the participating delegates who travelled from far and wide to attend the Congress and to the exhibitors who put on such an extraordinary show of technology and services. Thanks also to spouses and partners who came along and supported us.

Finally, to joint winners of the Best Young Author award, Karsten Zimmermann and Alexander Kattner – congratulations on this fine achievement.

Ed.

the International Society for Mine      Surveying  (ISM) -  XlV Congress  - sun City

20th to 24th September 2010