As the world grapples with urgent questions around sustainable mining and the future of geosciences, the Southern African Geophysical Association’s 19th Biennial Conference & Exhibition is set to provide a critical platform for collaboration, innovation, and solutions.

Taking place from 12 to 16 October 2026 at the Lagoon Beach Hotel in Cape Town, SAGA2026 will bring together geoscientists, researchers, and industry leaders under the theme Geophysics for generations. The conference comes at a pivotal moment, as the discipline increasingly underpins the global shift towards a green energy economy.

The programme will centre on three key pillars: advancing exploration strategies for critical materials required in renewable energy systems, attracting and developing the next generation of geoscientists, and harnessing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in geophysics.

Dr Stephanie Enslin, senior geophysics lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand and conference chairperson, said the industry could no longer afford to operate in silos.

“The geophysics community has traditionally gathered to share ideas within its own discipline, but the challenges we face today demand far broader collaboration. Geophysics intersects with fields such as engineering and hydrology in very practical ways. If we are to unlock meaningful solutions, we need to understand one another’s language and work together across disciplines.”

The conference programme has therefore been structured to bridge these gaps, with sessions designed both for highly technical specialists and for professionals in overlapping sectors.

“At its core, SAGA2026 is about raising standards and sharing best practices across industries that rely on geophysics. By bringing these communities together, we can ensure that the knowledge applied is robust, responsible, and fit for purpose.”

Enslin noted a pressing need to reshape perceptions of the field to attract new talent. “There is still a perception that geophysics is tied primarily to fossil fuels, but the reality is that it is increasingly central to clean energy solutions.

“We need to change that narrative and show young people that this is a field where they can make a real impact.”

While South Africa continues to see encouraging interest in geophysics studies, Enslin said more needed to be done to connect students with opportunities.

SAGA2026 creates a valuable platform for this exchange. Conference rates for students have been slashed in half, proving them with the opportunity to engage directly with industry, explore career pathways, and contribute fresh perspectives. At the same time, companies have the opportunity to connect with emerging talent and hear new ideas that could shape the future of the sector.

The 2026 conference also coincides with SAGA’s 50th anniversary, offering an opportunity to reflect on the industry’s progress while charting a path forward.

“This milestone is not only a celebration, but a moment of reflection,” Enslin said. “It allows us to consider how far we have come, and more importantly, how we position geophysics to support a sustainable and responsible future.”

Conference highlights

SAGA2026 will feature a comprehensive programme designed to deliver both technical depth and practical insight. Technical sessions will cover the full spectrum of mining, exploration, near-surface, environmental, and engineering geophysics, while interactive workshops will offer hands-on training before and after the conference.

A dynamic exhibition will showcase the latest geophysical products, software, and professional services, alongside field trips highlighting South Africa’s unique geological heritage and its role in the green economy. A range of formal and informal networking opportunities will further enable collaboration across industry, academia, and government.

New additions to the programme include Speed Talks, a fast-paced platform for poster authors and exhibitors to present their work in concise, five-minute pitches, and Round Table Discussions focused on key industry themes.

The Innovation & Investment Alley will provide a dedicated space for showcasing emerging technologies and connecting innovators with potential investors and industry partners. Submissions are invited for geophysics technology, developments and solutions at Technology Readiness Level’ (TRL) 4 and above.

Beyond the packed programme of presentations and workshops, the SAGA conference has become renowned for its atmosphere of camaraderie and fun. Enslin noted that attendees often describe the event as more than just an industry gathering, but one that has the feel of a reunion. “Colleagues and friends reconnect, share stories, and celebrate the close-knit community that has grown around South African geoscience. This mix of professional insight and personal connection makes the biannual event a highlight.”

With a legacy spanning five decades, the SAGA2026 will continue to set the benchmark for geoscience engagement in Southern Africa. This year’s event promises not only to reflect on past achievements, but to actively shape the future of the sector.

Early bird registrations and abstract submissions close on 30 April.