St. Petersburg, FL - The International Marine Minerals Society (IMMS) in partnership with the University of South Florida College of Marine Science, will hold its 49th Underwater Mining Conference (UMC 2020) from September 27 through October 2 as scheduled. In light of the current COVID19 situation, participants can attend in person or, depending on the circumstances at the time of the conference, through virtual events. The Conference will be held at The Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club located in St. Petersburg, Florida, USA utilizing appropriate health and safety guidelines. The hotel management team at this Marriott property have presented the organization with a detailed plan which includes special attention to protocols for social distancing, food preparation, ultraviolet and electrostatic room disinfecting technology as well as allowance for spacing at conference events.

UMC is the world’s oldest and largest gathering of ocean mineral stakeholders. Since 1970 scientists and world leaders from government, academia, and industry have come together from over 25 countries to exchange information and ideas on all aspects of underwater mineral exploration, environmental research, and mineral extraction.

The UMC 2020 focus will be: Marine Minerals: Solutions for Building a Green Energy Future. Topics discussed will include geological and biological studies of marine minerals deposits and their associated biological communities, regulatory considerations related to mineral resource and environmental impact assessment, technological considerations related to scientific survey objectives and commercial recovery objectives, and general policy considerations related to the long-term development of these resources.

Even with possible reduced in-person attendance, UMC 2020 will offer the networking opportunities, deep learning environment, and social activities that are customary and expected at our conferences. IMMS and the hotel will be flexible with our cancellation and refund policies to allow for the complications of travel in the current environment.

Even with possible reduced in-person attendance, UMC 2020 will offer the networking opportunities, deep learning environment, and fun activities that are customary and expected at our conferences. IMMS will also be flexible with our cancellation and refund policies.

UMC has been the “go to” conference for marine minerals scientific information exchange and stakeholders’ networking for nearly half a century and will continue to lead and promote innovation in this community. Including virtual events and enhanced safety and health protocols for this year’s conference provide an opportunity for active participation for all interested parties.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Laura Azevedo, UMC Manager
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Ph: +1 (727) 631-9579
www.underwatermining.org