Building on the successful ‘Frontiers in Mineral Sciences 2007’ meeting held in Cambridge, UK, the second such meeting will be held in Aberystwyth, Wales, from 21–24 June 2011 (previously listed for 22–25 June 2010). The scientific focus of the meeting will be on recent advances in research into environmental mineralogy, geochemistry, biosystems and toxicology, under the overall theme of ‘Frontiers in Environmental Geoscience’.

A list of plenary lectures and symposia is currently under consideration. If you have ideas for a topical symposium, please contact either convenors Nick Pearce (njp@aber.ac.uk) or Karen Hudson-Edwards (k.hudson-edwards@bbk.ac.uk), any member of the organising committee, or the Mineralogical Society directly (kevin@minersoc.org).

Scientific sessions planned to date:
(please check the website frequently for updates)

• Characterization and impacts of nano- and micro-particles in natural and contaminated environments

• Applied mineralogy of the critical zone: metal reactions at mineral surfaces

• Mine drainage – mineralogy, geochemistry, remediation

• Shining synchrotron light on the natural environment: metals, microbes and minerals

• Geochemical and biogeochemical behaviour of radionuclides and toxic elements in the environment

• Ash and aerosol emissions from active volcanoes: characterisations, processes and impacts

Further information about scientific sessions, registration and accommodation will appear here.

Plenary lectures

Hallimond Lecturer
We are delighted to announce that Professor Jill Banfield (University of California Berkeley) has agreed to give the 2011 Hallimond Lecture at the meeting. The Hallimond Lecture was established in honour of Arthur Francis Hallimond (1890–1968) who was a member of the Mineralogical Society for 56 years, many of which were served on Council. The annual lecture is a tribute to Hallimond's valuable contribution to the science of mineralogy.

Schlumberger Award Winner
Professor Georges Calas (LMCP Paris) will be awarded the 2011 Mineralogical Society Schlumberger Award, which recognizes scientific excellence in mineralogy and its applications. We are very pleased that Georges will receive his award, and give a plenary lecture, at the meeting.

Field trips

‘Red kites and red water; local environmental highlights of mid Wales’
Mid-conference fieldtrip (Wednesday 22nd June, pm). Includes a visit to Cwmystwyth former Pb/Zn mine and the picturesque site of Bwlch Nant yr Arian where conference delegates will have an opportunity to see red kites being fed in a wild and wonderful setting. (See http://www.forestry.gov.uk/bwlchnantyrarian)

Three optional post-conference one day trips (Friday 24^th June):

'Mine water remediation in the South Wales coalfield, including visits to the passive treatment systems at Pelenna and Garth Tonmawr'. Leader: Dr Bill Perkins.

'Coed y Brenin copper porphyry deposit and secondary environmental geochemistry in the striking backdrop of the Snowdonia Mountains'. Leaders: Dr Peter Abrahams and Dr Nick Pearce

'Geological highlights of coastal northern Pembrokeshire. Including Caledonian structures, Ordovician pillow lavas and fossil hunting'. Leader: Dr Charlie Bendall.

Aberystwyth offers much for the environmental scientist in terms of facilities and possible field trips (e.g. to the former mining areas of mid-Wales and to active coal mining areas in south Wales). Please put the dates in your calendar and plan to come!

Social programme
Plans are already in hand for an exciting and enjoyable social programme. The welcoming reception will be held in the Welsh National Library where finger food and wine will be served and where we will be serenaded by a Welsh male voice choir.

World-renowned Welsh lamb will be served at a bar-b-cue on the closing night.

Planning committee 
At present, the organizing/planning committee includes:

Local: Nick Pearce (Aberystwyth), meeting convenor njp@aber.ac.uk
Bill Perkins wwp@aber.ac.uk; and Ruth Warrender  rtw@aber.ac.uk 
 
Karen Hudson-Edwards (UCL-Birkbeck) Co-convenor
John Bowles (France) Applied Mineralogy Group
Andrew Walker (UCL) Mineral Physics Group
Dave Wray (Greenwich) Clay Minerals Group
Kevin Murphy (Society office)
Russell Rajendra (Society office)

This group will expand as more organizations are represented, making this a truly collaborative venture.

Travel to Aberystwyth
Aberystwyth is located on the Welsh coast. There are several ways to get there: by air+rail (arrive in Birmingham International Airport [see international arrivals/departure's map] and take the train from the airport direct to 'Aber'); by rail from London (again via Birmingham), by coach, and by car (ample parking) (Aberystwyth by car).

Click here for a list of airlines and rail stations which connect with Birmingham/Aberystwyth (with thanks to Michael Pearce for assembling the list).

Accommodation
Accommodation at the University Halls of Residence will be made available. However, there are many local hotels and guest houses for those who prefer it. Details here.