Competition Guidelines

Guidelines for SEG Student Chapter Participation

• Each SEG Student Chapter may only submit one entry.
• Chapters must be in "good standing" with SEG in order to enter the competition and be eligible for awards.
• Chapters may collaborate with each other and "team-up" to create a single entry, but they must identify all Chapters involved and be aware that they are still only eligible for one prize. Prize awards will not be increased for winning entries that have multiple Chapters participating.
• Individuals may not enter the competition on their own, as this must be a Chapter effort.
• The themes of the submissions may be broad, but they must focus on topics related to minerals exploration and resource development. This may include areas of focus such as technology and data science, ESG, and specific people.
• Entries should strive to tell one clear and cohesive story.
• Both Chapter members and official advisors may participate and assist in the development of the podcast entry.

Competition Rules for Submitting an Audio Clip Entry

• Podcast clips must be no longer than 12-minutes in length. Format is audio only.
• English submissions are required.
• Chapters may include music in their entry, though if used it must either be an original creation of the Chapter or the Chapter must have legal permission for its usage.
• Entries may not contain any obscene language or objectionable imagery.
• Entries must be the original work of each Chapter.
• All podcast submissions must contain the following items:
  • Final edited audio (*.mp3) file for publication, with introduction, interview (story), thank you and credits.
  • Completed supplementary information form: SEG Student Chapter name, ALL names and affiliations of the contributors (host/production team) and guests.
  • Brief summary of 1-2 paragraphs detailing the podcast segment - "Chapter Notes".
  • Up to 3 photographs of the podcast theme for use in social media promotion by SEG. Any media submitted must have prior permission.
• Please follow the file naming structure below for your submissions. It is recommended to ZIP all files so you only have to upload once:
  • Audio file: SEGChapterName_AudioFile
  • Completed supplementary information form: SEGChapterName_Form
  • Photos: SEGChapterName_Photo1, SEGChapterName_Photo2, SEGChapterName_Photo3
    • Please submit up to three relevant photos of guests or locations from the story, as these will be used to promote your chapter's work.

  Judging and Awards

  A panel of five judges from SEG will be selected to participate in the awarding of prizes. Judging of the submissions will be based on the following four criteria:

  • Story narrative
  • Audio quality
  • Originality
  • Clarity of concept

  Selected winners will be given the opportunity to present their entries during the SEG Student Chapter Earth Day event in 2025, date yet to be announced (approximately April 2025).

  Prizes for Competition Winners

  1st place - US$2000

  2nd place - US$1000

  3rd place - US$500

  Additionally, the 1st place prize will also include a full-page article in SEG Discovery promoting the winning SEG Student Chapter and their podcast entry. Their winning entry will also be featured within a future podcast episode of Discovery to Recovery.

  The 2nd and 3rd place prize winners will receive honorable mentions in SEG Discovery and also be featured within a future episode of the Discovery to Recovery podcast.

  All participating chapters will receive name recognition for their entries through SEG Discovery and will be featured on the SEG website.

  Advice on How to Improve Your Podcast Submission

  • Topic: Explore the diverse topics that economic geology encompasses across the entire mining value chain from geoscience to technology to people. What's important to you? What will inspire or spark listeners' curiosity? What is new and innovative where you live and work in the world?
  • Collaboration: Interviewing professionals across industry and academia is a great way to share an interesting story. Check out the SEG Discovery to Recovery podcast for inspiration. You could start by speaking with your university professors or finding an expert from the SEG Mentoring Program.
  • Judging: Engaging podcasts entries have a high production quality, engaging topics, clear episode structure, clear communication and creativity.
  • Equipment: One of the best parts of podcasting is that it doesn't require expensive gear to get started. Only the basics are needed: A recording device, headphones, and a piece of editing software. If you want some advice on basic budget-friendly equipment for podcasting, check out this podcast equipment guide.
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