Convergence of the Society of Economic Geologists’ (SEG) Annual International Conference with SAGA 2024 at the Windhoek International Convention Centre will enable close engagement between the disciplines of economic geology and geophysics. The consecutive events will provide opportunities to explore new partnerships and harness synergies as we meet under the theme of Collaborative Geoscience for Critical Supply.

As the impacts of the 4IR increase, improving operational efficiency, effectiveness & cost saving through digital transformation, key critical supply challenges remain. Materials needed to develop & power contemporary technologies, and sustainability, in areas such as water, are critical to not only sustaining life, but also to enable most industrial processes.

As we convene for SAGA 2024 in one of the top 10 most arid countries globally, we set our focus on the management and preservation of precious water resources. Namibia has a strong record of success in the application of remote sensing & geophysical technologies to explore for subsurface mineral & energy resources, & managing and preserving groundwater. Critical materials supply also directly impacts sustainable living. SAGA 2024 will showcase contemporary & innovative solutions to meet growing discovery & extraction demand as well as the necessary countermeasures. With globally increasing industrial activities, the challenge of achieving Net Zero necessarily accelerates, with geoscientific solutions such as underground carbon storage significantly mitigating the climate impact of our ever-growing demand.