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INTERNATIONAL MARINE MINERALS SOCIETY
Important Announcements
In September of 2024 we will host the 52nd Underwater Minerals Conference (UMC)
The World’s Largest Gathering of Ocean Mineral Stakeholders
The 52nd Underwater Minerals Conference was held September 15 - 20, 2024 at the National Auditorium — in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. This year‘s focus was Going Deep: Getting the Science Right for Informed Decisions. UMC 2024 offers five days of timely, exciting and diverse information on underwater mineral exploration, environmental research and mining. The conference brings together leaders in government, academia and industry from over 25 countries to exchange information about underwater mining. For inquiries, contact the IMMS Executive Director Laura Azevedo, at Center for Maritime and Port Studies, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701; lazevedo@immsoc.org.
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Introduction
The International Marine Minerals Society (IMMS) is a professional society (non profit 501(c)(6) corporation) whose members share a common interest in marine minerals as a resource for study and sound application to meet world demands for strategic minerals. Founded in 1987, IMMS includes a worldwide membership of individuals from industry, government agencies, and academic institutions.
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The primary objectives of IMMS are:
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To promote and improve the understanding of the origin, distribution, exploration, mining, processing, development, and economic assessment of mineral deposits within the province of the global ocean;
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To aid in the exchange of data and other information on an individual basis and through publication of papers and issuance of technical reports;
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To sponsor meetings, seminars, and symposia for the timely exchange of information;
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To encourage the prudent development of marine mineral resources, including concern for the environment;
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To encourage and assist young professionals in their study of marine minerals and in the pursuit of their careers, and
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To encourage, internationally, both basic and applied research in all aspects of marine minerals exploration and development.
IMMS archives the UMC abstracts at OneMine.org, the online digital library (beta) for the entire mining and minerals community. Searches are free, but access to documents is limited to members of professional societies such as IMMS. Registration to OneMine requires a one-time use of your IMMS Customer No. ID. The rest is easy.
IMMS, on occasion, presents its highest honor, The Moore Medal, to those who have contributed notably to the objectives and initiatives of the Society. This award, named after UMC and IMMS founder, J. Robert Moore, is a reflection of the long and distinguished career he fulfilled in the advancement marine minerals research, development, and management.
Please see the list of 1987 Founding Members (PDF).
IMMS PREMISES
IMMS is the primary sponsor of the Underwater Minerals Conference (UMC)—an international forum that brings together the marine mining community to exchange ideas and foster partnerships for research, exploration, and mining ventures. The Society supports graduate student participation in the UMC and conducts its general membership and executive board meetings in conjunction with the UMC. Members of the Society receive advance access to UMC abstracts, timely Soundings (e-messages, some being exclusive early releases), and contact information to other key members within this unique community.
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As a non-profit institution, IMMS depends on its members and the yearly conference to survive. If you value IMMS' work and objectives, please contribute to our cause by clicking here.
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IMMS welcomes anyone interested in marine minerals, marine resources, marine mining and how to make those activities more sustainable and not harmful to the environment. Click here to learn more.
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IMMS mission is to act as an integrator for marine mining companies and scientists’ discussions, facilitating knowledge transfer, assisting in public awareness and promoting scientific research deep sea mining.
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Contact Information:
IMMS Executive Director
Laura Azevedo
University of South Florida
College of Marine Science
140 7th Ave S, MSL 140E
St. Petersburg, FL USA 33701
lazevedo@immsoc.org