Within the framework of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST Association), Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University hosted an important international event on 8–10 September 2025. The meetings brought together the Management Committee (MC), Core Group (CG), and Working Groups (WG).

The event was organized under the CA22138 REMINDNET (Recovery of Mining District Network) project, led by Assoc. Prof. Jindrich Šancer from the Technical University of Ostrava (Czech Republic). The theme of the meetings was “Good Practice Guides for the Management of Raw Materials' Extraction Legacies”, and the organization was coordinated by Prof. Dr. Erol Yılmaz from the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture of our University.

Opening speeches were delivered by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Mete Avcı, Action Chair Assoc. Prof. Jindrich Šancer, and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture Prof. Dr. Mustafa Öksüz. In addition, Mr. Ali Can, Deputy General Manager of Çayeli Bakır İşletmeleri A.Ş., provided participants with detailed insights into mining operations and best practices. Nearly 40 academics, researchers, and experts from 28 European countries as well as Türkiye attended the meetings both in person and online.

Throughout the program, presentations were delivered on management, restoration, rehabilitation, and reclamation of environmental impacts arising from mining activities. Good practice examples were shared, and extensive knowledge and experience exchange took place among the participants.

As part of the technical visit, the participants visited Çayeli Bakır İşletmeleri A.Ş., a company recognized for its safe and sustainable mining practices in Türkiye. Comprehensive information regarding both underground and surface mining operations was provided by company managers and technical staff.

The meetings held within the scope of the REMINDNET project created an important scientific platform on sustainable mining, environmental responsibility, and the effective management of past mining activities. Furthermore, they contributed to strengthening academic and technical collaborations between our university and European countries.

Within the social program, the participants also explored the unique nature of Rize, where green meets blue. Visits to Ayder Plateau, Zil Castle, Palovit Waterfall, Tunca Dere Ağzı, Isırlık Nature Park, Tea Bazaar, and Bardak Tower were highly appreciated by the attendees.

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