LATEST NEWS
2024
MCG still waiting for a reply from BCCC Chairman
The MCG had sent a request in June 2024 to the Minister, the Hon Jonathan Attard to join the Building and Construction Consultative Council (BCCC). The MCG President was invited to give a presentation to the BCCC in July.
After over two months have passed, the MCG has still not received a reply to the Chamber's request to join the BCCC. The Chairman of the BCCC, Perit Charles Buhagiar has informed us two weeks ago that the decision has been taken, but the Chamber was not informed.
The MCG President has sent an email reminding the BCCC Chairman to send his reply. Should it be so difficult to send a 'yes' or 'no 'reply especially if the decision has already been taken?
MCG participates in the I CHOOSE careers fair
The MCG has participated at the I CHOOSE careers fair attracting a significant number of young students who asked about careers in geology and the BSc in geology being offered at Idea College in Malta.
The small rock collection on display was of particular interest to inquisitive young minds, many of whom managed to name several of the rocks!
The I CHOOSE fair is organised by the Ministry for Education
19-20.7.2024
MCG President meets Minister for Education
The MCG President Dr Peter Gatt has met the minister for Education, the Hon Dr Clifton Grima to discuss geology in the education curriculum.
Dr Gatt presented the minister with a draft copy of the Geologi Act (Geologists Act) which sets the basis for the recognition of the profession of the geologist in Malta.
17.7.2024
MCG Participates at MARE conference 2024
MCG has participated at the 2-day MARE construction industry conference at the MFCC, Malta. The conference was opened by the Hon minister Dr Jonathan Attard and shadow minister the Hon Ing Stanley Zammit.
This year MCG had a stand and MCG President Peter Gatt gave a presentation titled 'Ground Truth'. Special thanks to Anne, Chris and Matias who volunteered at our stand.
Many thanks to Beatriz Rodríguez Sanz and her team for organising this successful conference that brings together stakeholders, industry and the public.
An excellent networking experience!
23-24.5.2024
MCG President meets Minister Jonathan Attard
The MCG President Dr Peter Gatt meets the minister for Justice and Construction Reform, the Hon Dr Jonathan Attard to discuss the role of geologists in the construction industry.
During the meeting, Dr Gatt presented the minister with a copy of draft law being proposed by MCG for the recognition of the profession of the geologist. The meeting has been reported on newspapers:
Geologists insist their profession should be recognised - The Malta Independent
Geologists present draft legislation as they call for legal recognition of profession - Newsbook
13.4.2024
MCG Press Release on Public Inquiry Report
The MCG has issued a press release in reaction to the Jean Paul Sofia Public Inquiry Report. The Chamber agrees with the Report which recommends that for every rock excavation there needs to be a report drawn up by a geologist.
Press release 1/3/2024
Press coverage: Times of Malta Malta Independent
AGM 2024 elects new MCG Executive Council
The Annual General Meeting 2024 on 5th February 2024 has elected the four members of the Council for the term 2024-2026.
The AGM also approved the Annual Report 2023 and the Annual Accounts. The successful AGM discussed the strategy and future development of the profession in Malta.
5.2.2024
MoU between MCG and SGE 9.1.2024
The President of MCG, Dr Peter Gatt and the President of the Sociedad Geológica de España (SGE), Prof Juan Morales Gonzalez have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will open collaboration between the two professional organisations of geologists.
SGE is the Geological Society of Spain and was founded in 1985 with the main objective of strengthening and promoting the Geological Sciences among all sectors of society. The SGE has around one thousand members and publishes several journals with world-wide distribution, including Latin-American countries.
25.1.2024
MCG establishes Code of Professional Conduct and Grievance Committee
Council meeting No. 9 approves the Code of Professional Conduct and establishes the Grievance Committee of the Chamber.
This development establishes the Chamber as a regulatory professional body for geologists in Malta. The Grievance Committee consists of three members who are independent and includes persons with experience in investigating cases of professional conduct.
9.1.2024
2023
MCG President meets Leader of the Opposition
The MCG President Dr Peter Gatt presented copies of MCG's documents Geology in the Construction Industry of Malta and the document Geology for Energy in Malta to the Hon Dr Bernard Grech, Leader of the Opposition and Nationalist Party and the Hon Ing Stanley Zammit, Opposition spokesman for public works.
Dr Grech and Dr Gatt discussed the importance of the profession of the geologist in natural resources management, exploration of Malta's large EEZ and the application of geology to public safety.
14.11.2023
MCG President meets ERA Chairperson
The MCG President Dr Peter Gatt presented a copy of MCG's documents Geology in the Construction Industry of Malta and the document Geology for Energy in Malta to Perit Vincent Cassar, Chairperson of the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA).
Perit Cassar and Dr Gatt discussed the importance of protecting the country's Geodiversity and the importance of the profession of the geologist in natural resources management and assessment.
13.11.2023
MCG President meets Public Works Minister
The MCG President Dr Peter Gatt presented a copy of MCG's document Geology in the Construction Industry of Malta to the Hon Dr Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, minister for Public Works and Planning.
The Minister and MCG President discussed the contents of the document and the importance of the profession of the geologist in the construction industry.
3.11.1023
MoU between MCG and INGV 6.10.2023
The President of MCG, Dr Peter Gatt and the President of INGV, Prof Carlo Doglioni, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will open collaboration between the two professional organisations of geoscientists.
The Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV) is an Italian state organisation established 33 years ago committed to research, serving citizens during emergencies and building a knowledge society to understand how the Earth works. The INGV publishes the Annals of Geophysics and other high quality research.
2022
MCG Press Release on the 'updated' Geological map of Malta
The Malta Chamber of Geologists does not endorse the 'updated' geological map of Malta which was recently published online by the Continental Shelf Department within the Ministry of Finance and without any consultation and input of the Chamber of Geologists.
The Geological map includes numerous errors and omissions and should be used with caution and only following the advice from a professional Geologist.
A geological map that is erroneous undermines public safety.
Press Releases 3/12/2022
Press coverage: Malta Today Times of Malta Malta Independent
Older news
The MCG President Dr P Gatt participates in webinar on the Green Deal organised by the Times of Malta supported by the European Commission (2.6.2022). https://fb.watch/dplPZN_RWj/
The MCG participated in the EFG Council meeting held in the Azores on 22nd May 2022. The MCG is a member of the European Federation of Geologists (EFG).
The MCG is partner to the MARE Summit on the Construction Industry in Malta. A presentation titled 'Building on safe ground: What is the underlying geology?' was delivered by MCG President during the conference on 5th May 2022.
February 2022: Chamber President Dr Peter Gatt, President talks about oil and gas exploration in Malta in an interview by Prof Andrew Azzopardi on FM 103 (19/2/2022) : Andrew Azzopardi on 103: F’Malta għandna żejt? - YouTube
February 2022 Chamber of Geologists says it was refused place on BICC Advisory Board - The Malta Independent
February 2022 New Chamber of Geologists established, aims to ensure public safety - The Malta Independent
Geologists in the media:
‘Why has Malta given up on oil and gas exploration’, geologist queries - The Malta Independent
Portland cement not labelled according to EU standard
Role of Geologists in construction industry
Slope instability at Fomm ir-Rih
Geology matters, so do lives – Peter Gatt on collapsed buildings - The Malta Independent
"These tragic accidents will continue to happen" - geologist - TVM News
Proposed law puts properties near construction sites in bigger danger (timesofmalta.com)
“Għandu jkollna s-serħan tal-moħħ" - Prof. Peter Gatt - YouTube
Proposed Malta-Gozo: Geological aspects
Sliema tower built over 'unstable' cliff, geologist warns (timesofmalta.com)