ISM Overview
1. Backgrounds
Mine surveying is a branch of mining science and technology. It includes all measurements, calculations and mapping which serve the purpose of ascertaining and documenting information at all stages from prospecting to exploitation and utilizing mineral deposits both by surface and underground working.
The following are the principal activities of mine surveying:
● The interpretation of the geology of mineral deposits in relation to the economic exploitation thereof.The investigation and negotiation of mineral mining rights. Making and recording, and calculations of mine surveying measurements.
● Mining cartography.
● Investigation and prediction of the effects of mine working on the surface and underground strata.
● Mine planning in the context of the local environment and subsequent rehabilitation.
● These activities involve:
● The location, structure, configuration, dimensions and characteristics of the mineral deposits and of the adjoining rocks and overlying strata. The assessment of mineral reserves and the economics of their exploitation. The acquisition, sale, lease and management of mineral properties. Providing the basis of the planning, direction and control of mine workings to ensure economical and safe mining operations. The study of rock and ground movements caused by mining operations, their prediction, and the precautions and remedial treatment of subsidence damage. Assisting in planning Rehabilitation of Land and affected by mineral operations and collaborating will, local government planning authorities.
In mining, minerals and mine surveyors show the path towards mineral resources. The art of mine surveying can be traced back to the Egyptians. In fact, the earliest record of a mine plan is one drawn on papyrus in 1400 A.C. showing workings in an Egyptian gold mine.
But also outside the mining sector, minerals and mine surveyors perform tasks within the network of technology, industry, economy and environment. The widely spread areas of activity allow them to adapt flexibly to a fast changing world in industry and economy.
2. History
The International Society for Mine Surveying (ISM) was initiated by scientists from the Czech National Council for Mine Surveying. From August 26th to 30th, 1969, 46 mine surveyors from 19 countries met for the first time in Prague. On August 29, 1969, a working group of representatives from 14 countries drafted the charter, which was the first international conference of the ISM.
In June 1972, the Second International Congress was held in Hungary. During the period from 1972 to 1976, the working group held 10 meetings. At the third international conference held in Leoben, Austria on June 30, 1976, the representatives of 17 countries formally signed and approved the ISM Charter in English, German and Russian, including 11 countries in Europe, 3 in America, 1 in Asia (Iran), 1 in Africa (Zambia), and 1 in Oceania (Australia). Later, the second constitution was revised and supplemented. By 1987, the number of member countries had expanded to 27 countries, and by 2021, the number of member countries had grown to 43.
3. Form and Purpose
The ISM is an association of specialists in mine surveying or in the fields belonging thereto. The ISM is a non-governmental organization of category «C» (Mutual Information Relationship) according to the letter of the Director General of UNESCO of June 22nd, 1977. On September 7, 2001, UNESCO recognized ISM as part of a non-governmental organization.
The purpose of ISM it to build an international platform, cultivate outstanding talents, promote academic prosperity, and serve social development.
4. Activities
IMS regularly holds congresses (every three years), presidium meetings (every year) and academic exchange meetings (indefinitely), to grasp the main theme of the times, focus on current hot and difficult issues, gather global elites and celebrities, conduct academic exchanges, and share knowledge, collide with sparks of ideas, and innovation leads development. The following are the principal activities of ISM:
● the organization of scientific congresses;
● the establishment of commissions for special fields of mine surveying;
● the fostering and issuing of publications, particularly those relating to the congresses and the Commissions;
● co-operation with other International Societies in the fields of mining, geodesy, geology, geophysics, rock mechanics, etc;
● the fostering of worldwide co-operation in mine surveying by exchanging the students, academic staff and practitioners in mine surveying between individual countries.
● In order to realize the aims of the ISM, National Associations or sections of mine surveyors in the appropriate specialist organizations should be constituted, unless they already exist. They delegate a member to the ISM Presidium, as a rule.
5. Structure
Members' Assembly (on the occasion of International Congress, at least every 3 years); Presidium; Executive Presidium; Scientific Commissions (6); Secretariat.
6 Languages
English, German and Russian.
