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Category C: Mining

For the best photo on Mining in a Sustainable Future.

Entrants must submit an image and a summary (max. 100 words) on how it addresses the theme.

Image specifications

  • Minimum height: 297mm 
  • Minimum width: 210mm
  • High resolution (300dpi)

Format

  • All entries must be in digital format.
  • The entrant's name or other logos must not appear anywhere on the actual image.
  • Entries must be accompanied by a short summary (max. 100 words).
  • All elements of the work submitted must originate by the entrant.
  • We welcome all types of image, from photographs of people and places, to electron and optical micrographs, and everything in between.
  • We do not accept AI generated images and although some retouching may be applied (e.g. false colouration), a significant majority of the final image must remain as created.
  • Work submitted must not have previously been entered or placed in any other competition.

Copyright

  • The copyright of all images remains with the originator. No copyright is transferred in respect of any images entered.
  • By submitting an image, you agree that IOM3 can display and publish any of the images for a period of two years crediting the copyright holder.
  • Successful entries will be reproduced and may be used in various activities in connection with the Image Competition, which may include the website, social media, Institute publications or events. By entering the Image Competition, entrants agree to their images being used for publicity purposes.
  • Entrants must have permission from any client and/or employer to submit the images. The entrant shall be deemed to warrant that they own the entire copyright in the work. 
  • The entrant undertakes to indemnify the organisers and their partners and sponsors of the Image Competition in respect of any breach of the above warranty.

Judging panel

Entries for all categories will be judged by members of the IOM3 Student & Early Career Committee, Communications, Editorial and Content teams.

 2024 Image Competition entries

WINNER Running out of time - Harry Chapman | University College London

WINNER Running out of time - Harry Chapman | University College London

The image is a composite image of a series of frames with false colour applied, showing a stream of powder emerging from a nozzle used for Directed Energy Deposition Additive Manufacturing (DED AM). DED AM is a key advanced manufacturing technique, looking to reduce waste in the manufacturing process, by allowing complex geometric components to be built in one step, and reducing the amount of machining needed.

2nd Place Liquid Dynamics of Basalt - Allin Groom | Autodesk Ltd

2nd Place Liquid Dynamics of Basalt - Allin Groom | Autodesk Ltd

This image captures a glint of spring sunshine reflecting off the surface of a unique project that blends the organic with the inorganic. A sustainable composite of basalt and mycelium. The soft organic microfibre matrix of mycelium is encased in the inorganic strength of basalt, forming a material that embodies innovation and an ecological vision. This project bridges the gap between the biological and geological, creating a resilient material that can lead us towards a more sustainable future.

3rd Place Nano-seashell - Kaushal Apte | Loughborough University

3rd Place Nano-seashell - Kaushal Apte | Loughborough University

The peculiar sea shell-like structure was found in the midst of millions of micro/nanoparticles, using SEM. These are polymer blends of PLA/PMMA, biocompatible with potential uses in tissue engineering to enhance cell proliferation and attachment to biodegradable scaffolds. Not only biological, but these marvellous particles can enhance sustainability efforts in various industries such as agriculture. They can be incorporated in crops to enhance water and nutrient uptake, increasing crop yield.

Nano-earth on a fibre mech with the naissance of nano-plantes - Shiling Dong | Oxford University

Nano-earth on a fibre mech with the naissance of nano-plantes - Shiling Dong | Oxford University

A scanning electron microscopy image captures an intricate arrangement of hollow nano-spheres perched upon a delicate fibre mesh. The surface pattern of a sphere perfectly replicates the contours and features of our beloved planet Earth in miniature. This image has been coloured to depict nano-Earth and nano-stars, reminding us that the exploration of materials at the nanoscale may very well hold the key to unlocking the profound mysteries of the universe.

Nano-tendrils showing the coiling and perversion in natural plants - Shiling Dong | Oxford University

Nano-tendrils showing the coiling and perversion in natural plants - Shiling Dong | Oxford University

A coloured scanning electron microscopy image of nanofibres curling into spirals and twisting into perversions. These phenomena of natural tendrils are perfectly mimicked by fibre materials in the nanoworld.

Recycled Titanium Brick Bolster - Sam Lister | University of Sheffield

Recycled Titanium Brick Bolster - Sam Lister | University of Sheffield

Cleaned and graded titanium alloy machining swarf can be effectively recycled through the solid-state Field Assisted Sintering Technology (FAST) process. The robustness of the process is demonstrated here through a titanium brick bolster, with a preform produced via the FAST process and subsequently closed-die forged.

Cementing a Greener Future - Medeline Rihner | University of Sheffield

Cementing a Greener Future - Medeline Rihner | University of Sheffield

At the University of Sheffield, one of the SMASH team’s key research areas is development of low-carbon cements. Pictured is an alkali activated cement; this cement made with ground granulated blast furnace slag, an iron industry by-product, and a sodium silicate solution. Utilizing industrial by-products in this way is just one of the many solutions being looked into to help the UK cement sector reach Net Zero in 2050.

Crosslinking barrier won't let you in to destroy it - Syazwani Mohd Zaki MIMMM | International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur

Crosslinking barrier won't let you in to destroy it - Syazwani Mohd Zaki MIMMM | International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur

FESEM morphology of PVA-Chitosan Hydrogel with PANI from cross-section view.

Minerals & mining
Individual IOM3 members only Not previously recognised/received Self-nomination