MRGGE 2026 Review

The 2026 10th International Conference on Mineral Resources, Geotechnology and Geological Exploration (MRGGE 2026) was successfully held in Qingdao from June 26 to 28, 2026. Organized by China University of Petroleum (East China), the conference aimed to bring together experts and scholars from around the world in mining, geotechnical engineering, and geological exploration. The event focused on cutting-edge themes including sustainable development and green mining technologies, geotechnical engineering solutions, AI-driven resource discovery, marine geological engineering, and intelligent mining technologies. Scholars, researchers, engineers, and young students from multiple universities, research institutes, and enterprises attended the meeting.

On the morning of June 27, the conference officially opened at the Madison Hotel Qingdao City Center (May Fourth Square). Delegates gathered to launch this academic feast in the field of mineral resources and geological exploration. The agenda was compact and efficient, featuring keynote speeches and oral presentations, providing a robust platform for participants to exchange ideas and showcase innovative achievements.

This edition invited four renowned domestic and international experts to deliver keynote speeches.

Prof. Xinghai Lang from Chengdu University of Technology presented"Porphyry-Epithermal Metallogenic System Related to the Subduction of the Proto-Tethys Ocean in the North Qilian Orogenic Belt," systematically revealing the oldest known porphyry-epithermal system in the North Qilian belt and advancing the understanding of Tethyan evolution and metallogeny.

Prof. Mohamed Ismail from the Brunel London School, North China University of Technology, delivered"Arc Thermal Metal Spraying Method for the Purpose of Anti-corrosion of Steel in Hydraulic Structure," exploring the corrosion protection effectiveness of arc-sprayed metallic coatings in hydraulic structures such as wastewater reservoirs.

Prof. Jing Wang from Shandong University presented"'Five Senses and One Brain' Intelligent Equipment and Auxiliary Decision Support System for Tunnel Boring Machines," demonstrating the self-developed intelligent shield tunneling system and its successful application in major projects spanning urban transit, river crossings, and subsea tunnels both in China and abroad.

Prof. Yu Zhang from Northeastern University delivered"Research on Gas-Liquid Seepage in CAES Cavern Rock Mass under Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical Coupling," constructing a thermo-hydro-mechanical coupled numerical framework for compressed air energy storage caverns, providing theoretical support for clean energy underground storage.

The four keynote speeches spanned critical themes from metallogenic systems and structural anti-corrosion to intelligent tunneling equipment and deep energy storage geomechanics. They addressed practical demands in strategic mineral exploration, marine infrastructure construction, and clean energy development, while showcasing the deep integration of artificial intelligence, numerical simulation, and intelligent equipment in geological and geotechnical fields.

In the afternoon of June 27, the oral presentation session unfolded. Young researchers from Northeast Petroleum University, Chongqing Bureau of Geology and Minerals Exploration, Anhui University of Science and Technology, China University of Mining and Technology, and Qingdao University of Science and Technology presented their work on topics ranging from organic–inorganic interactions in ultra-deep hydrocarbon systems, engineering slope monitoring and early warning, dynamic prediction of mining-induced surface subsidence, lithology identification via logging data, shale porosity evaluation, mechanical and creep properties of fractured rocks under chemical corrosion, reinforcement learning-guided fracture reconstruction using acoustic emission, multistable wave energy conversion devices, and mechanical degradation of sandstone under high-temperature-seawater coupling. The presentations integrated geological exploration, geotechnical experimentation, numerical simulation, and intelligent algorithms, reflecting the interdisciplinary research characteristics of mineral resources and geological engineering. The session was followed by lively discussions.

The successful conclusion of MRGGE 2026 provided a high-quality exchange platform for experts and scholars in mineral resources, geotechnology, and geological exploration. Attendees noted that the program closely addressed industry needs in strategic mineral exploration, green and low-carbon development, intelligent mining equipment, and deep underground energy storage. The conference not only broadened academic horizons but also promoted interdisciplinary and cross-regional scholarly dialogue. Going forward, the MRGGE conference series will continue to serve as an academic platform, supporting technological innovation, talent cultivation, and engineering practice in the fields of mineral resources, geotechnical engineering, and geological exploration.