"Future Mining" Sino-Italian Earth Scientists Dialogue: First European Geological Qualification Training Held in Beijing

From April 2nd to 7th, 2019, with the support of the Italian Embassy in China, the "Future Mining, Sino-Italian Dialogue" and the First European Geological Qualification Training were organized in Beijing by the Young Earth Scientists Network (YES) and the Sino-European Center for Geological Innovation.

This event aimed to deepen the achievements of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between China and Italy on March 21st, promoting better cooperation between the two countries in geology, minerals, environment, and mining industries within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. During the event, representatives from Italy's National Mining Office of the Ministry of Economic Development, National Council of Italian Geologists, Italian Association of Mining Engineers, and University of Bologna joined Chinese experts and scholars to explore cutting-edge issues and innovative cooperation in earth sciences and mining.

The 5-day training, themed "Professional Geologists Serving the Mining Industry in the New Era," featured lectures by experts from Italy's National Council of Geologists to Chinese mining professionals, detailing Italy's professional geological certification system within Europe. Experts from both sides extensively discussed topics such as aligning China's mineral resource exploration standards with international norms and training Chinese geologists with EU-certified qualifications.

Luca Fraticelli, Economic and Commercial Counselor at the Italian Embassy in China, highlighted Italy's role as the first G7 member to participate in the Belt and Road Initiative, emphasizing the critical importance of cooperation in the mining sector. Experts noted that practical cooperation between the two countries in mining could significantly enhance industry standards and industrial capacity cooperation.

Dr. Wang Meng, Chairman of the YES Network and a young Chinese geoscientist, pointed out discrepancies between China's mineral exploration standards and international norms have hindered international acceptance of China's reserves specifications, impacting Chineseologists' participation in international projects. He emphasized the importance of the Italian National Council of Geologists' activities during the event, which involved exchanges, training, and certification for Chinese geological associations and mining enterprises, crucial for aligning China's international geological exploration standards.

Representatives from China Geological Survey of the Ministry of Natural Resources, China Minmetals Corporation, Wanbao Mining Ltd., Zijin Mining Group, China University of Geosciences, as well as Italy's Ministry of Economic Development, European Federation of Geologists, University of Bologna, and the Italian Embassy in China, attended the event from the Sino-Italian earth science and business sectors.

This comprehensive exchange underscores the growing collaboration potential between China and Italy in advancing global geological standards and fostering mutual development in the mining industry.