On February 15, 2025, PT Geo Fix Indonesia, PT Minera Nusa Drillindo, and PT Tekminera Nuestra Tierragua, in collaboration with the Indonesian Association of Geologists (IAGI), the Indonesian Society of Economic Geologists (MGEI), and Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD), proudly presented the Economic Geology Research Excellence Award 2025. This prestigious award, which includes a cash prize of IDR 20,000,000, was granted to Prof. Ferian Anggara of the Department of Geological Engineering, Universitas Gadjah Mada, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the field of economic geology. Over the past three years, Prof. Anggara has produced a substantial body of work published in top-tier international journals, demonstrating both advanced expertise and innovative research. His registered intellectual property—including patents and trademarks—further reflects his commitment to advancing the intersection of academic research and industry practice. The Economic Geology Research Excellence Award (EGREA) is designed to be awarded triennially to at least one Indonesian researcher—particularly those affiliated with government institutions—whose work represents a significant contribution to the field of economic geology and, more broadly, to Indonesia’s mining sector. Candidates are assessed based on peer-reviewed publications and registered intellectual property within the last three years. This recognition not only honors Prof. Anggara’s impactful achievements but also underscores the vital role of research in supporting Indonesia’s geological and mining industries.

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On February 15, 2025, PT Geo Fix Indonesia, PT Minera Nusa Drillindo, and PT Tekminera Nuestra Tierragua, in collaboration with the Indonesian Association of Geologists (IAGI), the Indonesian Society of Economic Geologists (MGEI), and Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD), proudly presented the Inspiring Geology Student Awards (IGSA) 2025. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding geology students who not only excel academically but also contribute meaningfully beyond the classroom. This year, Mochamad Ikral Pamungkas, from the Department of Geology at Universitas Indonesia, earned the top honor for his exceptional research and unwavering dedication. His project, “Petrogenesis of Samadua Granite and Its Correlation to Rare Earth Element Concentration,” impressed the judges with its strong methodological foundation and relevance to current geological challenges. Ikral employed advanced field techniques—including geological mapping, drill core logging, and geochemical analysis—ensuring that both his data collection and interpretation met industry and academic standards. The IGSA selection process involved multiple stages: university nominations, evaluation of student achievements, in-depth interviews, and final project presentations. Ikral's work stood out for its clarity, scientific rigor, and real-world applicability. His ability to connect field observations with broader geological contexts showcased his skill in integrating technical knowledge with critical thinking. With this award, Ikral not only affirms his academic excellence but also serves as an inspiration to other students passionate about advancing the geological sciences.

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Geonest Week 2025, held at Universitas Padjadjaran in Jatinangor from 10-14 February 2025, brought together students, academics, researchers, and industry professionals. Organized by PT Geo Fix Indonesia, PT Minera Nusa Drillindo, and PT Tekminera Nuestra Tierragua, in collaboration with IAGI, MGEI, and Universitas Padjadjaran”. Day 1: The event featured a series of workshops on February 10, 2025, attended by students from universities such as Institut Teknologi Bandung, Universitas Padjadjaran, Universitas Indonesia, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, PEP Bandung, SC MGEI, and SM IAGI West Java Region. The session, titled "The A-Z of Cu-Au Projects," was led by experts with a demonstration of the Geonest Mapping app. The workshop covered various subtopics, including the Geology of Cu-Au deposits, presented by David Iswanto (Geology Manager PT Geofix Indonesia); Exploration drilling for Cu-Au projects, led by Arief E. Prihandoyo (Senior Geologist/Senior Manager Operational Drilling PT Minera Nusa Drillindo); Data validation for Cu-Au projects, discussed by Isro Tri Pambudi (Software Engineer Team Leader PT Tekminera Nuestra Tierragua); and The role of research in advancing the economic geology industry, presented by Dr. Mont. Ir. Andy Yahya Al Hakim (Lecturer at Institut Teknologi Bandung). These sessions provided valuable insights from industry professionals and academic experts. Day 2: The Ore Deposit Problem-Solving Challenge Student Competition began, drawing participants from across Indonesia. Following a competitive selection process from an initial 26 teams, five teams from four universities (ITB, UI, UNPAD, and UNSOED) advanced to the final round. These teams were tasked with demonstrating their problem-solving and technical skills through fieldwork in Cupunagara, Subang, where they mapped a 700-meter-long stretch of terrain. The mapping revealed differences in alteration and mineralization within volcanic rocks. Using the advanced Geonest Mapping Apps, the finalists collected and analyzed data, simulating real-world geological exploration processes through a combination of keen observation and modern technology. The fieldwork was guided by a team of geological experts: Arief E. Prihandoyo (SM Operational Drilling at MND), Ahmad Hidayat, M. Fakhri Auladana, Devon Sena T., and Hadi Prayoga (all Geologists from GFI), as well as Isro Tri Pambudi and Jatmika Teja S. (Geoscience Software Engineers from TNT). This challenge offered an exceptional opportunity for students to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting, fostering innovation, teamwork, and the use of cutting-edge technology in the mining and exploration fields. The event was a true test of the participants’ ability to solve complex geological problems and showcase their expertise in the field. Day 3-4: The Ore Deposit Problem-Solving Challenge took place, where participants utilized the Geonest Mapping Apps for data processing and interpretation of their fieldwork results. This phase involved analyzing geological data, including geological maps, alteration and mineralization maps, geological cross-sections representing the track, and alteration and mineralization cross-sections, along with their final report. The following day, the finalists presented their findings to a panel of three expert judges in geology, mining, and resource exploration: STJ Budi Santoso (Chairman of IAGI), Gyaista Sampurno (Chief Geological Officer at PT Geo Fix Indonesia), and Ikrar Teguh Mandiri (Mine Geology Manager at PT Masmindo Dwi Area). The criteria for assessment included presentation fluency, time management, Q&A quality, content interpretation, presentation format and visuals, and software use. The judges evaluated the accuracy, clarity, and feasibility of the analysis and proposed strategies. This challenge provided participants with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and technical skills in a real-world context, while the Geonest app enhanced their experience by providing modern geological data analysis tools. Day 5: The Innovative Thinkers Forum, titled “Towards Excellence in Exploring, Discovering, and Developing,” attracted over 100 attendees, including Prof. Dr. Emmy Suparka, Prof. Mega Fatimah Rosana (Dean of the Faculty of Geological Engineering at UNPAD), Rosalyn Wullandhary (Chairperson of MGEI), board members and management from PT Geo Fix Indonesia, PT Minera Nusa Drillindo, and PT Tekminera Nuestra Tierragua, as well as representatives from government, academia, research institutions, industry practitioners, students, SM IAGI, SC-MGEI West Java Region, and organizational activists. The forum featured keynote speakers, including Ir. Agung Pribadi, M.Sc. (Head of the Center for Mineral Resources, Coal, and Geothermal), and STJ Budi Santoso (Chairman of IAGI), who discussed the critical role of the government in mining and the importance of bridging the gap between industry and academia. Several experts also shared their insights, including Gyaista Sampurno (Chief Geological Officer at PT Geo Fix Indonesia), Ikrar Teguh Mandiri (Mine Geology Manager at PT Masmindo Dwi Area), and Dudy Setyandhaka (GM Mine Geology at PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk). The discussions covered topics such as the current state of exploration technologies in the nation, navigating the nexus of geologists’ journeys through geometallurgical studies, and the future challenges in mine geology, including strategies to keep mines producing ore. All sessions were moderated by Dr. Eng. Tomy Alvin Rivai, a lecturer at Institut Teknologi Bandung. Here are the winners of the Geonest Week 2025 “Ore Deposit Problem-Solving Challenge Student Competition”

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