Join us at MINEXCHANGE 2026; Exciting sessions and programming are planned for Salt Lake City

The Mining & Exploration (M&E) Division luncheon will be held during MINEXCHANGE 2026 in Salt Lake City, Wednesday, Feb. 25 from noon to 2:00 pm. The luncheon features the Jackling lecture, award ceremony, and Richard E. Gertsch Memorial Silent Auction, bringing together our community to celebrate excellence in mining while supporting the next generation. Luncheon Sponsorships Off to a Great Start – More Support and Auction Items Needed. The M&E Division is excited to announce that all title sponsorship positions for the 2026 M&E Luncheon have been filled. We extend our deepest gratitude to our title sponsors whose generous support makes this important event possible: • Rio Tinto Kennecott• South32• Barr Engineering• Empire Southwest, LLC• Arnold Machinery Company• Hecla Mining Company This unprecedented level of support demonstrates our industry's commitment to the M&E Division’s mission and an annual gathering that combines scholarship fundraising, recognition of excellence, and advancement of our profession. Supporting sponsorships still available. While the title sponsorships are sold out, we still have opportunities for supporting sponsors and silent auction sponsors. These sponsorships offer: Recognition during the M&E Luncheon and in future Rock in the Box articles in Mining Engineering magazine The opportunity to directly support mining education Flexible contribution levels to fit any budget Organizations interested in becoming supporting sponsors should contact Matt Blattman (mblattman@hecla.com) or Emma Salditt (salditt@smenet.org) to discuss available opportunities. Urgent call for auction items – January 31 Deadline. With just weeks remaining, we urgently need additional auction item donations to make the 2026 silent auction a success. The Richard E. Gertsch Memorial Silent Auction remains our primary fundraising vehicle for student scholarships, and we need your support to reach our goals. Building on last year's success when we raised $4,810 (more than doubling the 2024 total), we are aiming even higher for 2026. Since 2016, the M&E Division has raised more than $90,600 through silent auctions and direct contributions, awarding more than $129,000 in scholarships. Your donation helps continue this tradition of supporting the next generation of mining professionals. We are seeking quality items that will generate competitive bidding. Popular categories include: Rare or unique mineral specimens Historical mining memorabilia and artifacts Scale models of mining equipment Commemorative coins and rounds Travel and adventure packages including exclusive mine tours and site visits Professional sporting event tickets and memorabilia If you like it, so do your colleagues, donate one! All donations are tax-deductible and will receive recognition in event materials and future Rock in the Box articles in Mining Engineering magazine. Ship auction donations to: SMEAttn: M&E Auctionc/o Tara Davis12999 E Adam Aircraft CircleEnglewood, CO 80112Phone: 303-948-4200 Shipped items must be received at SME headquarters no later than January 31, 2026. Alternatively, items can be hand-delivered at the M&E Division luncheon, or special arrangements can be made by contacting Matt Blattman at mblattman@hecla.com. Whether through item donations, Sponsorships, or spreading the word to potential donors, your involvement makes a difference. Together, we are investing in the future of mining.

Join us at MINEXCHANGE 2026; Exciting sessions and programming are planned for Salt Lake City

Authored by: Matt Blattman, VP – Technical Services, Hecla Mining

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Get your SME Foundation VIP Access Conference Pass to MINEXCHANGE 2027

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To view the past issues of the UCA magazine you must be a member of SME/UCA.

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