Mary Korpi; An interview with the 2026 SME President

Along Michigan’s Upper Peninsula lies the Marquette Iron Range, home to iron mines. Just southeast of the region is the small town of Iron River, where Mary Korpi spent most of her childhood and early adulthood. Though living in the heart of mining country, the industry did not pique her interest while growing up. As the daughter of two educators, she envisioned a different future for herself. Now, decades after working for one of the largest gold companies, she is gearing up for her term as the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration’s 2026 President. Korpi’s journey into the industry As a freshman at Michigan Technological University (MTU), Korpi’s journey initially started in a medical technology program. However, after excelling in science and math courses, she decided to pivot into chemical engineering. But when seeking to join the major, she received a cold introduction from the department chair. That was when her “stubborn Swedish stock” kicked in and she decided to prove herself successful. Within four years, she earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from MTU. After graduating, Korpi expected that she would join a chemical company. But a fortuitous turn of events completely altered the course of her career. “At Michigan Tech, I expected to join a chemical company such as Dow Corning, which actively recruited graduates in my field,” said Korpi. “However, life took an unexpected turn when I married an MTU mineral processing graduate right after college,” she said.] Together, the two started their careers at Newmont Mining’s San Manuel copper operations in Arizona, marking the beginning of her mining journey. “Throughout my career, I have embraced new opportunities — even those outside my comfort zone or expertise,” said Korpi. Beginning her career as a metallurgist in 1976 for Newmont’s Magma Copper Co. would mark a central change in Korpi’s life. For more than a decade, Korpi held various positions in the metallurgical services department including shift supervisor, quality control analyst, metallurgist and senior metallurgist of customer relations. In the mid-1980s, during her 11-year tenure as a metallurgist, Newmont thwarted five takeover bids. Magnates sought to break apart the company’s assets to increase shareholder value. None were successful, but in 1987, American business financer T. Boone Pickens made a significant bid causing the company to pay dividends to all shareholders. After taking on significant debt, Newmont was forced to sell its nongold assets, including Magma Copper. Despite the major change, Korpi stuck with the company and transferred to its Nevada Carlin Operations, where she worked in the metallurgical laboratory as the director of metallurgical services, overseeing the analytical laboratory during its expansion. The late 1980s and early 1990s were a boom for Nevada gold mining. New technology drove expansion of openpit and heap-leaching operations along the Carlin Trend, and mines and processing facilities were spawning within the state. According to Korpi, both the metallurgical and analytical departments needed to expand and grow to meet the needs of operations. A new challenge was presented for her: to lead the Loss Control Department and Industrial Hygiene Department in implementing a new management system throughout the Carlin operations. “I had previously never interacted with the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) or state mine inspectors, so I went on a quick learning curve on their regulations, accident investigations and dealing with inspections,” said Korpi. “This position broadened and deepened my understanding of workplace safety and has continued to have an impact on each role that I have taken.” Even though she did not have an early start in process operations, in the 1990s, she accepted a position as Newmont’s leach and mill superintendent, where she would manage operations at various Carlin gold processing sites. These included Rain Leach, two Rain Mills, North Area Leach, Hollister Leach and South Area Leach. While getting adjusted to the role, she leaned on other operators, mechanics and supervisors who supported her transition to the new department. During this time, expectations began to shift in the industry. The want for openness and transparency increased. “Communities wanted more information,” said Korpi. “Tribal governments were asserting their rights and interests. NGOs were becoming influential voices in shaping public perception. Investors and the media were demanding greater accountability. The industry could no longer operate behind closed doors — communication and engagement had become strategic imperatives.” Another opportunity presented itself and Korpi stepped in to grow external relations and communications programs in the region, becoming the leader of Newmont’s communications department. Over time, the department built a team supporting issues management, government affairs, media relations, community development, crisis management, external communications and minerals education in North America. “Looking back, I am grateful for the opportunity to have led the growth of the external relations and communications department and for the remarkable people I had the privilege to work alongside. My career path may not have been linear, but each step — technical, operational, safety-focused and leadership-oriented — prepared me for the next,” Korpi said. For three years she served as manager of communications and as the role expanded, After excelling in this role, she was promoted to North American regional director of communications and external relations, further taking on responsibility at Newmont. For almost two decades Korpi developed, led and supported Newmont’s North America regional activities. In 2016, after four decades in the mining industry, Korpi retired from Newmont. Though her work there had ceased, her passion for the industry continued to grow. In 2017, Korpi was appointed to the State of Nevada’s Commission on Minerals by former Governor of Nevada, Brian Sandoval. The commission, formed by seven selected members, took part in advising the governor on mineral-related issues and providing guidance to the Nevada Division of Minerals. Korpi was appointed to the commission based on her knowledge of Nevada’s mineral industry.] In 2021, Korpi was again appointed to the commission — this time by former Governor Steve Sisolak.Though rooted in hard-rock mining, serving on the commission offered her a deeper dive into Nevada’s oil and natural gas sector, along with its geothermal significance. She served on the commission until the close of 2025. “It has been a rewarding way to continue contributing to the state’s mineral industries and to stay connected to the broader natural resources community,” Korpi said. SME roots In 1977, freshly starting at Newmont, a coworker who was involved with SME encouraged Korpi to attend the Tucson, AZ Chapter monthly meeting. After attending, she quickly realized how beneficial the organization would be for her growth. Working with this local section allowed Korpi to expand outside her hub and network with other professionals and mining companies. The vast section programs, technical sessions and project site tours further expanded her knowledge of copper mining. Through the local section, she took on leadership roles to fully immerse herself in SME’s professional development and networking opportunities. When Korpi’s career relocated her to another state, she continued ties with SME, engaging in the Northeastern Nevada Section. To this day, Korpi remains active in the Reno local section and the Nevada Mineral Processing Division annual conference. “The organization has provided countless opportunities to strengthen my leadership skills and to grow in ways I never anticipated when I first joined,” she said. These local chapters opened doors for her national participation with SME. During her time with SME, Korpi has presented at technical sessions, participated on several chair committees and served on the SME Board and SME Foundation Board of Trustees. “Each of these roles expanded my understanding of the organization’s impact and allowed me to contribute to initiatives that support students, professionals and the future of the mining industry. I was fortunate to have the encouragement of colleagues and strong support from Newmont, which made it possible to take on these responsibilities,” she said, Since finding SME, Korpi has noted the organization as invaluable to her understanding of the ins and outs of the mining industry. She has used its resources to expand her career development and open herself to the many facets of the profession. “Over the years, SME has also been the foundation for lifelong relationships. The colleagues and friends I’ve met through the organization have enriched my experiences, challenged my thinking and helped deepen my knowledge. These connections have been among the most meaningful aspects of my professional journey,” she said. Korpi has enjoyed giving back to the SME Foundation and SME as a whole, at the local and national levels. After more than 45 years of membership, she now enters the heart of her involvement — becoming SME’s 2026 President. “SME has provided far more than technical knowledge. It has supported my professional and personal development, expanded my understanding of the mining industry, helped me build a strong and trusted network, and fostered relationships that have lasted decades,” she said. As president, Korpi has big goals. “My top priority is to lead a strategic planning process that creates a shared vision and mission with strong strategic alignment across SME. As a nonprofit, SME leads to advance a mission and vision that create meaningful impact, and this purpose should guide all strategic planning and decision-making,” she said. She believes this strategic plan should serve as an overarching framework in which every program, project and department contributes. The framework is set to guide decisions at all levels of the organization, encouraging member engagement and empowering their voices. To implement this framework, strong leadership will be needed by the Strategic Planning Committee, SME members, SME staff and Leading Associations facilitators. Additionally, new major developments are shaping the Society. In Sept. 2025, SME tapped Melissa Russell to become chief executive officer, following former chief executive officer Dave Kanagy’s retirement.Korpi believes the Society’s continued success and growth depends on showcasing SME’s value to existing and new members. Paired with Russell’s expertise, she believes SME can reach an even wider crowd. “With Melissa’s background, I expect the influence and impact of SME to grow and play a larger role,” she said. Korpi encourages SME leadership to remain open to new ideas, recommendations and potential changes that could grow and strengthen the Society. She also invites members to approach Russell and share their insights. Industry outlook Recently, the U.S. federal government has been taking increased stakes in the mining industry. For example, in July 2025, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) acquired a 15 percent equity stake in MP Materials, the operator of the Mountain Pass rare earth mine. The investment was structured around a $400 million purchase of preferred stock and warrants, making the government the company’s largest shareholder. “The renewed focus from the federal government on the mining industry is long overdue.,” said Korpi. “Recent executive orders and national strategies aimed at reducing permitting delays, reopening land for exploration, and expanding domestic processing capacity have generated real optimism.” In September 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) agreed to restructure a previous loan to Lithium Americas and took a five percent equity stake in Lithium Americas, along with a separate five percent equity stake in the Thacker Pass joint venture with General Motors. One month later, the federal government also invested $35.6 million to acquire a 10 percent stake in Trilogy Metals. Additionally, in January 2026, the U.S. government announced plans to invest $1.6 billion in USA Rare Earth, and in February, the United States launched a federal initiative to create a strategic critical minerals reserve, known as Project Vault, to increase the domestic supply chains of minerals. Since then, the U.S. hosted the 2026 Critical Minerals Ministerial with representatives from roughly 54 countries to create supply-chain resilience through a broad coalition of allied and partner economies. U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said 30 countries expressed interest, with Australia, Japan and Mexico closing in on deals. “With growing concerns about supply-chain vulnerabilities and geopolitical competition, the U.S. is finally increasing investment in critical minerals. Maintaining this policy momentum — and leveraging new public-private funding mechanisms — is essential for strengthening domestic extraction and processing capabilities,” Korpi noted. However, despite the government’s increased interest in the industry, a looming issue remains: the ability to recruit and retain a solid workforce. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) projections state that by 2029, more than half the current mining workforce, about 221,000 workers, will be retired and need to be replaced. Concurrently, Bureau of Labor Statistics data modeled by the EIA predicts the U.S. mining industry to grow over the next 10 years. “Workforce challenges remain one of the industry’s most persistent issues,” said Korpi. “Shortages span engineers, geologists, maintenance technicians and skilled trades.” There has also been a steady decline in the number of mining and mineral engineering programs at U.S. colleges and universities, with the number of mining and mineral engineering graduates down 39 percent from 2016 to 2022. In 2022, only 600 students were enrolled in mining engineering programs. These numbers are a growing concern for companies looking to meet long-term labor demands. However, there are a few universities restarting or reviving their mining programs. “These pressures will only intensify without sustained efforts to attract, train and retain new talent,” said Korpi. Looking at these statistics, Korpi is adamant about increasing SME efforts to address this issue. “The SME Education Sustainability Committee has been asked to review the impact and outcomes of the past 10 years of the Ph.D./Career Grant Program and develop a forward-looking plan to ensure robust, well-staffed mining and minerals programs in the future,” she said. According to Korpi, the committee is actively tackling this request and should have an initial report of their finding at this year’s MINEXCHANGE. The topic of safety also remains one of Korpi’s concerns and goals as SME President. “Safety means many things in the mining industry,” said Korpi. “It’s a value. It’s a priority. It’s a focus. It’s a necessity. It’s action. It’s personal. I could go on and on because safety is so important and we all need to be safety leaders.” In the mining industry, safety is critical. The industry can involve heavy machinery, confined spaces, explosives, chemicals and more. As someone with years of direct operational experience, Korpi finds safety to be of the utmost importance. “My hardest days at work were experiencing the loss of a coworker, colleague or friend,” Korpi reflects.Others, too, find the topic of safety to be paramount. Speaking on her experience, Korpi has noted that SME members have recommended specific topics that directly impact the health and safety of the industry. “In partnership with the Health & Safety Division, we will focus on the details and impact of these topics to evaluate possible recommendations for next steps,” she said. Though the industry has evolved and changed, safety has always been a foundational value and a core operational strategy. Now, automation, artificial intelligence and real-time monitoring are driving measurable improvements in safety performance. Simultaneously, companies are placing greater emphasis on employee health and wellness. “Together, these trends will continue to drive mining safety that is defined by smarter technology, stronger standards, and a deeper commitment to the people behind the work,” Korpi said. A modern gold rush As someone who worked at the world’s largest gold company, Korpi finds the current state of the industry fascinating. Recently, gold prices have surged to all-time highs, with spot gold hitting around $5,000/oz in February 2026. In 2025, the market experienced an exceptional rally, with prices more than doubling since 2023. Analysts have noted potential upward movement in 2026, toward $6,000/oz. “It’s an exciting time to be involved in the Nevada gold industry, particularly with gold prices at record levels. These strong market conditions are creating real opportunities to advance projects and make long-term investments across the state,” she said. Korpi recently had the opportunity to visit two major operations, one gold and one silver, that highlight the current momentum of the two metals. “The large silver heap-leach operation has just completed a significant investment, positioning it well to capitalize on today’s favorable silver prices. The gold operation has been producing for several decades and continues to grow, with a new underground mine currently under construction. These examples demonstrate the resilience and forward-looking nature of mining operations in Nevada,” Korpi said. Though well known for its gold production, Nevada is home to a variety of mining operations. The state has more than 100 mining mines, producing 20 different minerals. This includes the only operating lithium facility in the United States — Silver Peak Mine. Close by lies Tonopah Flats Lithium Project, a proposed claystone extraction project that aims to produce and extract a large-scale amount of lithium hydroxide monohydrate. Farther north, Lithium Americas’ Thacker Pass Mine and Ioneer’s Rhyolite Ridge lithium-boron project are anticipated to be two of the largest lithium mines in North America but will not begin production until 2027 or 2028. According to the “2024 Major Mines in Nevada” publication from the Nevada Division of Minerals and the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Nevada led the nation in the production of gold, barite, lithium compounds and magnesium compounds. The report notes Nevada’s mineral industry is positioned to be a major economic force for years to come, though it does face challenges. “Overall, Nevada remains one of the premier mining jurisdictions in the world, with strong fundamentals, ongoing investment and significant potential for continued growth,” Korpi said. The next chapter of SME As Korpi steps into her first month as SME President, she faces both a pivotal time for SME and the industry. Yet she remains eager to lead the association into a successful year. Being a member for 45 years, her institutional knowledge and commitment to SME will help drive its growth. “First, I’m genuinely excited about the opportunity to meet, listen to and learn from our members,” said Korpi. “SME is a volunteer-driven organization, and everything we accomplish is rooted in the passion, expertise and generosity of the people who choose to be part of it. I want to understand what motivates our members, what they value most about SME, and how their experiences shape their professional journeys. It is important to hear from everyone — whether from long-time volunteers or new members just finding their place in SME. “Second, I’m excited about contributing to the development of SME’s next strategic plan. The world around us is evolving at a pace we’ve never seen before — industries, technologies and workforce needs are shifting rapidly. Our current strategic plan has served us well, but at six years old, it may no longer reflect the realities or opportunities of the years ahead,” she continued. “Being part of the team that will shape the next chapter for SME is something I take seriously. It’s essential that our plan positions us to meet the needs of our members, our industry partners and the mining community in the years to come. I’m eager to help ensure that our direction is forward-looking, relevant and aligned for the future.” With decades of experience under her belt, Korpi is positioned to honor SME’s rich legacy. Her priorities center on engagement, recruitment and uplifting the community. Her main goal is to support and strengthen the Society, through every season. “I am truly honored to serve as SME’s 2026 President. As a long-time member, SME has played a meaningful role throughout my career, and I’m grateful for the chance to give back to the Society. I look forward to this important transition year and to connecting with members across our community. Thank you for providing this opportunity,” she concluded.

Mary Korpi; An interview with the 2026 SME President

Authored by: Carrie Smith

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

Caterpillar Announces Leadership Transition in Resource Industries

Copper squeeze breathes new life into old mines

Cartier-owner Richemont weighs joining De Beers acquisition race, source says

Caterpillar Announces Leadership Transition in Resource Industries

Copper squeeze breathes new life into old mines

Cartier-owner Richemont weighs joining De Beers acquisition race, source says

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

How Western miners can win Africa’s critical minerals race

Thank you to SME members for a great career

Related Articles

Get your SME Foundation VIP Access Conference Pass to MINEXCHANGE 2027

“Check the box” and help support the SME Foundation

The Art and Science of the Flowsheet

UCA Division officer nominations

Caterpillar Announces Leadership Transition in Resource Industries

Copper squeeze breathes new life into old mines

Cartier-owner Richemont weighs joining De Beers acquisition race, source says

Caterpillar Announces Leadership Transition in Resource Industries

Copper squeeze breathes new life into old mines

Cartier-owner Richemont weighs joining De Beers acquisition race, source says

Use Single Sign On