Presidents

Since 1973: Advancing Mineral Processing Together

A significant number of researchers and specialists in the Balkan region have dedicated several decades to the study of mineral processing. Their work focused on establishing concentration processes in industry, expanding production capacities, optimizing operations, enhancing energy efficiency in processes and equipment, and introducing or developing new machinery and innovative techniques. As a result of these efforts, mining and mineral processing in the Balkans have steadily developed and continue to operate today.

This sustained progress has led to the emergence of many accomplished researchers in the field across the region. In 1973, they established the first Balkan Mineral Processing Committee (BMPC), and the founding members are presented in the following table.

The Balkan Congress on Mineral Processing has been held for over 50 years. The inaugural Balkan Mineral Processing Conference was held in Varna, Bulgaria, from November 12 to 15, 1973. At the final session of that event, the Balkan Scientific Committee for Mineral Processing Conferences was formed. During its initial meetings, the Committee agreed to organize a Balkan Mineral Processing Conference every two years, hosted by a different Balkan country.

Participation in the BMPC serves as a vital link between scientific advancement and professional practice in alignment with global trends. It also fosters direct collaboration among researchers, engineers, equipment manufacturers, and investors, both from the region and internationally. Over time, the Congress has evolved into a well-established international event, attracting participants from beyond the Balkan region.

Following the foundation of the Balkan Mineral Processing Scientific Committee, the Balkan Mineral Processing Science Academy (BMPSA) was established in 2001, and the founding members are listed in the table below. BMPSA has 42 members now, namely 8 foundation members, 23 full members, 9 corresponding members, but 8 of them passed away.

Founding Members

Presidents of the Balkan Mineral Processing Scientific Committee and the Balkan Mineral Processing Science Academy
Prof. Dr. Güven Önal	1995 – March 31, 2024
Prof. Dr. Fatma Arslan	December 14, 2024 – present