On 28–29 May 2026, the annual Symposium on Massive Sulfide and Manganese Nodule Exploration and Environmental Studies (MSMNE 2026) was held at the headquarters of the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) in Hanover. The Polish Geological Institute – National Research Institute (PGI-NRI) was represented by Łukasz Smajdor from the Department of Geophysics, Dr Bartosz Kotrys from the Pomeranian Branch in Szczecin, and Kamila Wirkus from the Marine Geology Branch in Gdańsk.

MSMNE 2026 (Marine Scientific Research on Manganese Nodules and Exploration – Exploration of Massive Sulphides and Manganese Nodules and Environmental Research) has, for the seventh time, attracted representatives from the scientific community, exploration companies and service providers – both local and international – with an interest in the exploration and extraction of deep-sea polymetallic deposits. Initially, it was a local event aimed at discussing the results of the German Geological Survey’s work to date, but over time it has evolved into an international symposium attracting experts from all over the world.

Symposium participants. Source: BGR

During the two-day symposium, around 70 experts from the worlds of science and industry discussed current research challenges associated with the exploration of massive polymetallic sulphides and manganese nodules. Presented the latest research findings – ranging from geological mapping, through geophysical mapping, to habitat analyses. A significant part of the programme was devoted to biodiversity analyses, ecotoxicological studies and the latest advances in the processing of marine mineral resources. Also discussed the current status of work on the International Seabed Authority (ISA) regulations concerning the potential future use of marine resources.

Łukasz Smajdor, a representative of PGI-NRI, gave a presentation entitled ‘Status of Polymetallic Seafloor Massive Sulphide Exploration in the Polish ISA Contract Area’, focusing on the present status of exploration work for polymetallic massive sulphides within the Polish concession area located in the Atlantic Ocean. The presentation was prepared jointly with Dr Michał Tomczak, Agata Kozłowska-Roman and Dr Mirosław Ludwiniak.

Łukasz Smajdor during his presentation