GeoMinBochum Conference 2026: From Mining to the Energy Transition

For four days, Bochum was all about the geosciences: More than 450 scientists from Germany and abroad gathered at GeoMinBochum 2026. In over 40 sessions and workshops, they exchanged ideas on current research and key future topics. The program included topics such as European raw materials policy, the disposal and storage of radioactive waste, geothermal energy, materials science, and issues related to climate change.

The conference was organized by The German Geological Society and The German Mineralogical Society (DGGV and DMG) in collaboration with the Institute of Geosciences at Ruhr University Bochum.

The conference highlighted the diverse nature of geosciences and the role they play in addressing socially relevant issues. The range of topics spanned from research on raw materials and new materials to geothermal energy and energy supply, all the way to carbon capture and storage. In the process, basic research and applied research addressed concrete challenges of the present.

Bochum itself provided a fitting setting for the event: The city and the region have evolved from a location heavily influenced by mining into an important center for science and innovation. Under the theme “Celebrating Planet Earth,” GeoMinBochum brought together diverse geoscientific perspectives and created a space for exchange across professional and disciplinary boundaries.