The world is couming bulimically raw materials and the demand for metals skyrockets. Securing raw materials, processing industrial minerals, enabling higher recycling rates targeting zero residuals production, utilizing advanced manufacturing techniques together with established mass production and forming methods, tailoring materials and alloys to service conditions, mastering extreme environments set the prerequisites for the ongoing shift, both digital and green. Hence, raw materials, recycling, metals and alloys tailored to even the most extreme conditions underline today’s importance in the geopolitical chess board. At the same time, the 4^th industrial revolution affects also the minerals industry value chain. All these challenges bring the School of Mining & Metallurgical Engineering (SMME) again at the epicenter of academia and industry. Dedicated to actively addressing societal needs through the lens of sustainability, responsible resource management, and a profound respect for local communities, the SMME adapts to these challenges and prepares future leaders in the field.