GEMS Celebrates a Decade of Inspiration with PossibiliTalk 2025
The Guild of the Mining Engineering Students (GEMS) at Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) marked a milestone as it celebrated its 10th founding anniversary with the two-part PossibiliTalk 2025. This virtual event, conducted on September 30 and October 10, 2025, via Zoom, gathered current students, alumni, and professionals for a dynamic exchange of ideas in mining engineering and geosciences.
Two-Part Experience Highlights Alumni Excellence
PossibiliTalk 2025 showcased distinguished GEMS alumni who are currently pursuing PhDs at Luleå University of Technology in Sweden. The dual-session format bridged MSU-IIT’s local academic vigor with international research leadership, highlighting how early career researchers can influence global sustainability in mining.
Session I: Mineral Processing and Flowsheet Development
The first session featured Engr. July Ann Bazar, a PhD candidate in Biochemical Process Engineering. Her talk on Mineral Processing and Flowsheet Development underscored the pivotal role of process design in maximizing mineral recovery while advancing sustainability. Engr. Bazar emphasized integrating efficiency, environmental responsibility, and innovation at every stage—from laboratory testing to full-scale production. Attendees explored strategies for designing robust flowsheets that optimize recovery, reduce waste, and minimize energy consumption, reinforcing the industry’s shift toward greener mining operations.
Session II: Geochemical Characterization
The second session featured Engr. Norberto Jr. Aquino, a PhD candidate in Applied Geochemistry. He explored Geochemical Characterization, illustrating how understanding the chemical makeup and behavior of geological materials informs environmental risk assessments and resource optimization. Engr. Aquino highlighted the link between foundational geochemistry and practical mining outcomes, showing how rigorous analyses support responsible extraction and environmental stewardship. The discussion encouraged attendees to connect laboratory insights with field-scale implementations, fostering a mindset of evidence-based, sustainable innovation.
Growing a Global Community of Learners
PossibiliTalk served as more than a lecture series; it was a platform for students, researchers, and professionals to engage in meaningful dialogue. Participants from diverse regions joined the conversations, creating a vibrant, collaborative learning environment that transcended geographical boundaries. The virtual format proved effective in connecting a diaspora of practitioners, researchers, and students, proving that knowledge exchange can be powerful even when conducted online.
International Collaboration Driving Local Excellence
The milestone event was made possible through collaboration between MSU-IIT’s BSEM Program and the Swedish School of Mines. This partnership illustrates the growing international links in mining engineering and geosciences, offering MSU-IIT students access to world-class research through ongoing mentorship, research opportunities, and cross-border discourse. Such alliances reinforce GEMS’s mission to prepare future engineers who can lead with integrity, curiosity, and a global perspective.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Empowered Engineers
As GEMS marks a decade of academic excellence and leadership, PossibiliTalk 2025 reaffirmed its commitment to empowering future engineers through knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation. The event reinforced the organization’s vision: to create spaces where conversation sparks learning, learning inspires action, and action unlocks endless possibilities. By highlighting the work of alumni now pursuing advanced research, GEMS demonstrated how foundational education, ongoing inquiry, and international partnerships can together drive sustainable progress in mining and geosciences.
Topics discussed during PossibiliTalk 2025 ranged from technical method development in mineral processing to the broader implications of geochemical research for environmental protection, resource efficiency, and policy-relevant thinking. As the mining industry continues to evolve, GEMS remains committed to fostering a community where ideas circulate freely, discoveries are shared openly, and aspiring engineers are equipped to transform theory into responsible practice.
