Environmental Division

As a member of the Environmental Division of SME, you have access to professional networking and leadership opportunities with peers who share your career objectives.

The Environmental Division of SME provides a means for cooperation and communication among professionals in the minerals industry engaged in all aspects of the physical environment as they relate to the mining industry, including:

  • Promotes safe and environmentally sound mining practices.

  • Provides a forum for the exchange of technical information, publishing technical papers, organizing technical meetings and programs.

  • Encourages and promotes education on any subject related to these phases of the mining industry.

Environmental Division Annual Luncheon & Silent Auction

This event is a fantastic opportunity for division members to network while supporting the Environmental Division scholarships.

Many thanks to our generous sponsors!

Environmental Division Annual Luncheon & Silent Auction

Click here to view the photos on SME's Flickr page

 

Student Poster Contest

Students have the opportunity to show off their work and a chance to put cash in their pockets to further their education.

Learn More

 

Environmental Division Committees

The Environmental Division Benefactor Award is administered by the SME Environmental Division Executive Committee.

Name Position Start End
Omar A. Smith Chair 03/01/2025 02/28/2026
Amar Patel Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2026
Heather Halderman Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2026
Mrs Genevieve M. Sutton Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2026
Annelia Tinklenberg Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2026
Nina Astillero Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2026

The Committee shall review the nominations for the Environmental Division Distinguished Service Award recipient.

Name Position Start End
Omar A. Smith Chair 03/01/2025 02/28/2026
Mrs Genevieve M. Sutton Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2026
Nina Astillero Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2026
Annelia Tinklenberg Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2026
Heather Halderman Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2026
Amar Patel Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2026

The Committee shall have oversight of all activities within the Environmental Division.

Name Position Start End
Omar A. Smith Chair 03/01/2025 02/28/2026
Amar Patel Vice Chair 03/01/2025 02/28/2026
Annelia Tinklenberg Past Chair 03/01/2025 02/28/2026
Heather Halderman Secretary-Treasurer 03/01/2025 02/28/2026
Mrs Genevieve M. Sutton Program Chair 03/01/2025 02/28/2026
Nina Astillero Program Planning Chair 03/01/2025 02/28/2026
Laura A. Nelson SME Staff 02/12/2024

The Membership Committee encourages interest and membership in EVD.

Name Position Start End
Omar A. Smith Chair 03/01/2025 02/28/2026
Annelia Tinklenberg Past Chair 03/01/2025 02/28/2026
Emily Sportsman Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2026
Hannah Chop Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2026

The chief responsibility of the Environmental Division Nominating & Planning Committee is to fill vacant positions on Division and SME committees as needed.

Name Position Start End
Annelia Tinklenberg Chair 03/01/2025 02/28/2026
Lisa N. Gonzales Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Nina Astillero Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2026
Heather Halderman Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2026
Mrs Genevieve M. Sutton Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2026
Denise Levitan, PG, PHD Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2026
Amar Patel Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Omar A. Smith Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2026

The Committee shall review all applications for the EVD Scholarship and select the recipient(s).

Name Position Start End
Emily Schlenker Chair 03/01/2024 02/28/2026
Irene Montero Member 03/01/2022 02/28/2026
Daniel Torres Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Mackenzie Best Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2027
Elham Rahimi, PHD Member 03/01/2024 02/28/2026

The Joint Standing Committee provides linkage between the Acid Drainage Technology Initiative Metal Mining Sector and the SME Environmental Division. The Chair and Co-Chair shall also serve as EVD representatives on the ADTI-MMS Steering Committee and as session Chair and Co-Chair for the current ADTI-MMS Program Committee. The Co-Chair also serves on the Program Planning Committee and advances through the Chair and Past Chair positions. The Past Chair advises the SME ED Nominating and Planning Committee on nominations for representatives.

Name Position Start End
Patrick T. Williamson, PG, QP Chair 03/01/2025 02/28/2026
Ethan Wologo Vice Chair 03/01/2025 02/28/2026
Dr. Rens B. Verburg Past Chair 03/01/2025 02/28/2026
Mackenzie Best Member 04/04/2025
Jeff Gillow, PHD Member 04/04/2025
James J. Gusek Member 04/04/2025
Mr. Michael Hay, PHD Member 04/04/2025
Lisa Kirk Member 04/04/2025
William Lipps Member 04/04/2025
Cole Mayer Member 04/04/2025
Dr. Virginia T. McLemore Member 04/04/2025
Irene Montero Member 04/04/2025
Patricia B. Moran, Ph.D Member 04/04/2025
PJ Nolan Member 04/04/2025
Leslie M. Watson Member 04/04/2025
Denise Levitan, PG, PHD Member 04/04/2025
R David Williams Member 04/04/2025
Dr. Linda A. Figueroa Member 03/20/2024
Lauren Bozeman Member 01/01/2025
Devin Castendyk Member 01/01/2025
Andrew Nicholson Member 01/01/2025
Dr. Rennie B. Kaunda Member 01/01/2025
Laura A. Nelson SME Staff 03/01/2024

The Committee shall review the nominations for the SME/AIME Environmental Stewardship Distinguished Service Award and select the recipient.

Name Position Start End
Amar Patel Chair 03/01/2025 02/28/2026
Omar A. Smith Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2026
Annelia Tinklenberg Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2026
Mrs Genevieve M. Sutton Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2026
Nina Astillero Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2026
Heather Halderman Member 03/01/2025 02/28/2026