The Mining & Exploration Division provides a means for cooperation and communication among professionals engaged in the mining of metals, research, specialized aspects of mining, and exploration technologies.
The M&E Division advances these industry segments by:
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Promoting and publishing papers,
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Organizing meetings and programs, and
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Encouraging education on subjects related to the mining and exploration of metals.
Mining & Exploration Division Annual Luncheon
This event is a fantastic opportunity for division members to network while supporting the Mining & Exploration Division scholarships.
Many thanks to our generous sponsors!
Click here to view the photos on SME's Flickr page
Mining & Exploration Division Bylaws
Mining & Exploration Division Brochure
Mining & Exploration Division Handbook
Mining & Exploration Division Meeting Minutes
2020 Mining & Exploration Division Annual Meeting Minutes
2019 Mining & Exploration Division Annual Meeting Minutes
2018 Mining & Exploration Division Annual Meeting Minutes
2016 Mining & Exploration Division Annual Meeting Minutes
2015 Mining & Exploration Division Annual Meeting Minutes
Mining & Exploration Division Committees
The Howard L. Hartman Award, established in 1989, recognizes distinguished contributions in practice, teaching or research in the field of underground ventilation engineering.
| Name | Position | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arash Habibi | Co-Chair | 03/01/2022 | 02/28/2025 |
| Arunkumar Rai, MS MBA | Co-Chair | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2026 |
| Mr Craig Stewart, B.S.M.E | Member | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2028 |
| Mr J. Daniel Stinnette, PE | Member | 03/01/2021 | 02/28/2025 |
| Dr. Karoly C. Kocsis, Ph.D. | Member | 03/01/2022 | 02/28/2026 |
| Heather N. Dougherty, PE, PHD | Member | 03/01/2023 | 02/28/2027 |
The Dickerson Award is administered by the Mining & Exploration Division (M&E Division) of the Society, under the direction of the SME Board of Directors.
| Name | Position | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lia Walker | Chair | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2025 |
| Bradley M. Dunn | Member | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2025 |
| Ms. Jenessa L. Haarala | Member | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2025 |
| Kevin Martindale | Member | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2027 |
| Thomas L. Dyer | Member | 03/01/2022 | 02/28/2025 |
| Dean R. Gehring | Member | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2025 |
| Jordan M. Anderson | Member | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2027 |
The Jackling Award is administered by the Mining & Exploration Division (M&E Division) of the Society, under the direction of the SME Board of Directors.
| Name | Position | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Donald C. Dwyer | Chair | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2025 |
| Lia Walker | Member | 03/01/2022 | 02/28/2027 |
| Ms. Jenessa L. Haarala | Member | 03/01/2020 | 02/28/2025 |
| Mrs Kathryn E. Marten Robertson, B.S.M.E, MBA | Member | 03/01/2023 | 02/28/2028 |
| Daniel B. Rosenbach | Member | 03/01/2021 | 02/28/2026 |
| Bradley M. Dunn | Member | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2025 |
| Russell J. Sheets, PE | Member | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2029 |
The Award is administered by the Mining & Exploration Division (M&E Division) of the Society, under the direction of the SME Board of Directors
| Name | Position | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Donald C. Dwyer | Chair | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2025 |
| Lia Walker | Member | 03/01/2023 | 02/28/2028 |
| Mrs Kathryn E. Marten Robertson, B.S.M.E, MBA | Member | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2027 |
| Ms. Jenessa L. Haarala | Member | 03/01/2021 | 02/28/2026 |
| Daniel B. Rosenbach | Member | 03/01/2022 | 02/28/2027 |
| Bradley M. Dunn | Member | 03/26/2024 | 02/28/2025 |
The Committee shall have oversight of all activities within the Mining & Exploration Division.
| Name | Position | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Donald C. Dwyer | Chair | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2025 |
| Ms. Jenessa L. Haarala | Chair Elect | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2025 |
| Bradley M. Dunn | Past Chair | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2025 |
| Russell J. Sheets, PE | Secretary-Treasurer | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2025 |
| Daniel B. Rosenbach | Program Vice Chair | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2025 |
| Lia Walker | Program Planner Vice Chair | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2025 |
| Mrs Kathryn E. Marten Robertson, B.S.M.E, MBA | Program Planner Vice Chair | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2025 |
| Emily Rose | Editor, ex officio | 03/01/2023 | 02/28/2026 |
| Maureen Moore | Liaison, ex officio | 03/01/2022 | 02/28/2025 |
| Tara K. Davis | SME Staff | 07/01/2021 | 02/28/2050 |
| Name | Position | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Donald C. Dwyer | Chair | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2025 |
| Brian D. Groff, PE, Qualified Person | Member | 03/01/2023 | 02/28/2025 |
| Stella M. Searston | Member | 12/16/2020 | 02/28/2026 |
| Ms. Jenessa L. Haarala | Member | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2025 |
| Mrs Kathryn E. Marten Robertson, B.S.M.E, MBA | Member | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2025 |
| David M. Abbott, Jr. | Member | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2025 |
The Award is administered by the Mining & Exploration Division (M&E Division) of the Society, under the direction of the SME Board of Directors.
| Name | Position | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bradley M. Dunn | Chair | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2025 |
| Mrs Kathryn E. Marten Robertson, B.S.M.E, MBA | Member | 03/01/2023 | 02/28/2028 |
| Lia Walker | Member | 03/01/2022 | 02/28/2027 |
| Donald C. Dwyer | Member | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2025 |
| Ms. Jenessa L. Haarala | Member | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2025 |
| Russell J. Sheets, PE | Member | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2028 |
| Name | Position | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lia Walker | Member | 03/01/2023 | 02/28/2028 |
| Daniel B. Rosenbach | Member | 03/01/2021 | 02/28/2025 |
| Tara K. Davis | SME Staff | 03/01/2021 | 02/28/2050 |
The Award is administered by the Mining & Exploration Division (M&E Division) of the Society, under the direction of the SME Board of Directors.
| Name | Position | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ms. Jenessa L. Haarala | Chair | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2025 |
| Russell J. Sheets, PE | Member | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2025 |
| Grace E. Wilson, PE | Member | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2027 |
| Jeff R. Mattern | Member | 03/01/2022 | 02/28/2025 |
| Mrs Kathryn E. Marten Robertson, B.S.M.E, MBA | Member | 03/01/2023 | 02/28/2025 |
| Jason Sexauer | Member | 03/01/2023 | 02/28/2026 |
| Angelina K. Anani | Member | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2025 |
There are currently no members to display for this committee.
The Award Committee is to consist of the members of the M&E Division Program Planning Committee.
| Name | Position | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mrs Kathryn E. Marten Robertson, B.S.M.E, MBA | Chair | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2025 |
| Russell J. Sheets, PE | Member | 03/01/2023 | 02/28/2025 |
| Abhishekh Ashok Parmar | Member | 03/01/2023 | 02/28/2025 |
| Dr Thomas W. Camm, PE | Member | 03/01/2023 | 02/28/2025 |
| Ms. Chelsea A. Gilbert | Member | 03/01/2023 | 02/28/2025 |
| Daniel B. Rosenbach | Member | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2025 |
| Matthew V. Deutsch | Member | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2025 |
The Committee shall review the applications submitted and select the recipients of the M&E Division Scholarship and the AIME Henry De Witt Smith Graduate Scholarship.
| Name | Position | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bradley M. Dunn | Chair | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2025 |
| Donald C. Dwyer | Member | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2025 |
| Russell J. Sheets, PE | Member | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2025 |
The William Lawrence Saunders Award Committee is responsible for reviewing the nominations for the William Lawrence Saunders Award and selecting the recipient. The Saunders Award recognizes distinguished achievement in mining other than coal (including the production of nonmetallic minerals).
| Name | Position | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gregory F. Sutton | Chair | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2025 |
| Dr. Marc A. Herpfer | President | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2025 |
| Ruby Barickman | Member | 03/01/2021 | 02/28/2025 |
| Peter M. Haarala, PE | Member | 03/01/2021 | 02/28/2025 |
| Mr. Shaun P. Graber | Member | 03/01/2023 | 02/28/2025 |
| Dr. Abani R. Samal, PhD | Member | 03/01/2022 | 02/28/2026 |
| Russell J. Sheets, PE | Member | 03/01/2022 | 02/28/2026 |
| Abhishekh Ashok Parmar | Member | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2028 |
| Brad Atkinson, MSc, EMBA | Member | 03/01/2024 | 02/28/2028 |
Mining & Exploration Division Awards
Ben F. Dickerson III Award
Ben F. Dickerson III was a member of AIME from 1962 until his death in 1987. He served on the Board of Directors and was Chair of the M&E Division. He will be remembered for his numerous "ROCK IN THE BOX" columns which he began writing in 1980, and also for the humor, wit and satire of his "News and Rumor from the Bush" articles featured in Skillings Magazine. He believed in professionalism and encouraged his employees to participate in professional societies in order to grow in their profession. Besides AIME, he was a member of SEG, GSA (Society of Geology Applied to Mineral Deposits), SIMM, AIPG, Colorado Mining Association, Northwest Mining Association, Mining Club of the Southwest, Mining Club of New York, and the Arizona Geological Society, to name just a few. He abhorred ignorance and apathy. His curiosity was boundless; he never stopped asking "Why?"
Nominations for this award are currently closed.
Daniel C. Jackling Award
The Daniel C. Jackling Award was instituted by the Mining, Geology and Geophysics of AIME in 1953. Daniel C. Jackling, for whom the Award is named, was an Honorary Member of AIME and President in 1938. The Jackling Award is presented for significant contributions to technical progress in the fields of mining, geology and geophysics or other applicable fields as determined by the Mining & Exploration Division.
Nominations for this award are currently closed.
MiniMining & Exploration Distinguished Service Award
The Mining & Exploration Division Service Award, established in 1985, honors members of SME (with the exception of all M&E Division Officers at the time they hold office) who have made outstanding contributions to the M&E Division in its programs or other activities. The award consists of an engraved plaque to be presented at the annual M&E Division luncheon. Election to this honor is by the M&E Division Executive Committee with notification to the SME Executive Committee.
Nominations for this award are currently closed.
Outstanding Young Professional Award
The M&E Outstanding Young Professional Award, established in 1996, recognizes the meritorious accomplishments of a young individual working in the mining and exploration industry (including related academic and governmental careers). The award shall consist of a plaque appropriately engraved with the name of the award and the name of the recipient. The nominee must be 35 years of age or less at time award is to be presented.
Nominations for this award are currently closed.
Miner of the Year Award
The Miner of the Year Award was established by the Mining & Exploration (M&E) Division in 2012 and was first awarded in 2013. It is presented to a person in recognition for getting “Rock in the Box.” This award is designed to recognize mine-site leaders who are able to manage production, people, community, safety and be good stewards of the environment and is funded by Epiroc (previously Atlas Copco, Inc.)
Nominations for this award are currently closed.
Harry M. Parker Excellence Award
The award recognizes individuals who most exemplifies the effort and insight Harry Parker has brought to improve the mining industry. His work in resource/feasibility reporting and geostatistics has improved the investment community’s perception of mining ventures.
Nominations for this award are currently closed.
Robert Peele Memorial Award
The Robert Peele Memorial Award, established in 1953, is funded by AIME. The paper under consideration must have been published in an SME publication within a two-year period ending December 31. Only the first author of a paper must be an SME member not over 35 years of age at the time the paper is submitted. The award is limited to authors of M&E Division papers. Nominations cannot be accepted, view the guidelines for the procedure.
Nominations for this award are currently closed.
William L. Saunders Gold Medal Award
William Lawrence Saunders was born in 1856 in Columbus, GA, the son of Episcopal minister William Trebell Saunders and Eliza Morton of Virginia. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. As a young man, Saunders invented the apparatus for underwater drilling and became wealthy as a result of his equipment being used in the Russian oil fields. He was the founding editor of Compressed Air magazine and published two textbooks on compressed air. In 1904, he became president of the Ingersoll Sergeant Drill Co. after the death of William Russell Grace. He became the first president of the now combined Ingersoll Rand in 1906. As the twice-elected mayor of North Planfield, New Jersey, he campaigned for woman's right to vote.
During World War I, Saunders was chair of the Naval Consulting Board, which collected inventions and ideas from engineers and inventors to be used in the war effort. He also served as the 1915 president of AIME and deputy chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. He died in 1931.
Nominations for this award are currently closed.
Ben F. Dickerson III Award
Nominations for this award are currently closed.
Daniel C. Jackling Award
Nominations for this award are currently closed.
Mining & Exploration Distinguished Service Award
Nominations for this award are currently closed.
Outstanding Young Professional Award
Nominations for this award are currently closed.
Miner of the Year Award
Nominations for this award are currently closed.
Harry M. Parker Excellence Award
Nominations for this award are currently closed.
Robert Peele Memorial Award
Nominations for this award are currently closed.
William L. Saunders Gold Medal Award
Nominations for this award are currently closed.
Daniel C. Jackling Award
Nominations for this award are currently closed.
Robert Peele Memorial Award
Nominations for this award are currently closed.
William L. Saunders Gold Medal Award
Nominations for this award are currently closed.
Robert Peele Memorial Award
Nominations for this award will open on 04/01/2025
Mining & Exploration Division Scholarships
M&E & Eugene P Pfleider Memorial Scholarship
The Eugene P. Pfleider Memorial Scholarship is administered by the Mining & Exploration Division and is awarded on an annual basis to students pursuing careers in mining engineering. To submit an anonymous recommendation letter for a student, please email it to scholarships@smenet.org with the student's first and last name and the scholarship name as the file name.
Applications for this scholarship are currently closed.
Steven C. Potter Scholarship
Steven C. Potter was a well-respected, well-liked, and highly successful economic geologist who worked his entire career in pursuit of discoveries, largely across North and South America, for companies such as Ranchers Development, Homestake, Bear Creek Mining, Kennecott Exploration, and BHP Billiton, in addition to several successful junior exploration groups. The Steven C. Potter Scholarship (Potter Scholarship) is to be awarded annually to a graduate student who is an SME student member, and whose thesis is directed toward furthering the understanding of ore deposit systems and their formation, geologic mapping and analysis of an ore deposit or mining district, or developing concepts or tools that may be used in economic geology or exploration. To submit an anonymous recommendation letter for a student, please email it to scholarships@smenet.org with the student's first and last name and the scholarship name as the file name.
Applications for this scholarship are currently closed.
Henry DeWitt Smith Graduate Scholarship
The Henry DeWitt Smith Graduate Scholarship (Smith Scholarship) was established in 1967 to assist worthy students in the pursuit of their graduate education in the mining, metallurgical, materials, or petroleum departments of leading universities and colleges in the United States and Canada. To submit an anonymous recommendation letter for a student, please email it to scholarships@smenet.org with the student's first and last name and the scholarship name as the file name.
Applications for this scholarship are currently closed.
Stewart R. Wallace Memorial Scholarship
The Stewart R. Wallace Memorial Scholarship (Wallace Scholarship) was founded in 2011 through a generous contribution from the estate of Stewart R. Wallace. The Wallace Scholarship is awarded annually to a master’s degree candidate in geology or geological science who plans to pursue a career in the field of exploration geology. To submit an anonymous recommendation letter for a student, please email it to scholarships@smenet.org with the student's first and last name and the scholarship name as the file name.
Applications for this scholarship are currently closed.
M&E & Eugene P Pfleider Memorial Scholarship
Applications for this scholarship are currently closed.
M&E & Eugene P Pfleider Memorial Scholarship
Applications for this scholarship are currently closed.
M&E & Eugene P Pfleider Memorial Scholarship
Applications for this scholarship are currently closed.
M&E & Eugene P Pfleider Memorial Scholarship
The application period for this scholarship will begin on 09/01/2024
Steven C. Potter Scholarship
Applications for this scholarship are currently closed.
Steven C. Potter Scholarship
Applications for this scholarship are currently closed.
Steven C. Potter Scholarship
Applications for this scholarship are currently closed.
Steven C. Potter Scholarship
The application period for this scholarship will begin on 09/01/2024
Henry DeWitt Smith Graduate Scholarship
Applications for this scholarship are currently closed.
Henry DeWitt Smith Graduate Scholarship
Applications for this scholarship are currently closed.
Henry DeWitt Smith Graduate Scholarship
Applications for this scholarship are currently closed.
Henry DeWitt Smith Graduate Scholarship
The application period for this scholarship will begin on 09/01/2024
Stewart R. Wallace Memorial Scholarship
Applications for this scholarship are currently closed.
Stewart R. Wallace Memorial Scholarship
Applications for this scholarship are currently closed.
Stewart R. Wallace Memorial Scholarship
Applications for this scholarship are currently closed.
Stewart R. Wallace Memorial Scholarship
The application period for this scholarship will begin on 09/01/2024