SME celebrates the 50th anniversary of the SME Fellow Award

The Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) is set to celebrate an extraordinary milestone at MINEXCHANGE 2025 in Denver, Colorado. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the prestigious SME Fellow Award, the highest honor bestowed by SME upon individuals who have made significant and sustained contributions to the minerals industry and the society itself.

The SME Fellow Award, formerly known as the SME Distinguished Member Award, is an elite recognition reserved for those who have demonstrated outstanding service to SME and remarkable achievements in the mining and minerals sector. Typically, only a handful of members receive this designation annually. However, in recognition of the award’s 50th anniversary, the SME Board has chosen to induct over 50 new Fellows in 2025.

The SME Awards Celebration, where the new class of Fellows will be officially recognized, will take place on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM at the Centennial Ballroom & Foyer of the Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center. As part of the larger SME and American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers (AIME) awards program, this event serves as the grand finale to MINEXCHANGE 2025.

Attendees can expect an evening of celebration, networking, and inspiration. Following a multimedia awards presentation, guests will enjoy a reception featuring beverages and hors d’oeuvres, providing a unique opportunity to congratulate colleagues and reflect on the industry’s progress.

Becoming an SME Fellow is no small feat. Candidates must have held full SME membership for at least 15 years and demonstrated significant, sustained contributions to both the minerals industry and SME. Contributions may be in the form of leadership in exploration, production, engineering applications, education, environmental advancements or public relations. Additionally, candidates must have made a meaningful impact on SME, whether through technical divisions, committees, regional sections or broader advocacy for the industry.

These contributions can be evidenced through patents, technical publications, managerial roles, educational initiatives or innovations in mineral processing, exploration techniques and engineering projects. The rigorous selection process ensures that only the most deserving professionals receive this esteemed honor.

Here are 2025’s recipients:

• Tim Alch
• Kathy Altman
• Wolfgang Baum
• Richard Berg
• Mark P. Board
• Andrea Brickey
• Corale Brierley
• James Brierley
• Dennis Bryan
• Thomas Camm
• Red Conger
• Paul Conrad
• Robert Dunne
• Jami Dwyer
• Steve Enders
• Leigh Freeman
• Jerry Gauntt
• James Gebhardt
• Dean Gehring
• Gary Goldberg
• Bob Goodfellow
• Shaun Graber
• David Hammond
• Fred Heivilin
• Richard Johnson
• Ronel Kappes
• Jess Kindler
• David Klug
• Mary Korpi
• Bill Langer
• Jennifer Leinart
• Bowen Li
• Robert E. McIvor
• Virginia McLemore
• Terry McNulty
• James Metsa
• Mike Myers
• Michael S. Moats
• Tom Newman
• Josh Olmsted
• Mike Rispin
• Mike Roach
• Dave Rogstad
• Mark Savit
• Eric Shereda
• Gary Simmons
• Gary Skaggs
• Debra Struhsacker
• Philip Thompson
• Heather Trexler
• Srinivas Veeramasuneni
• Pam Wilkinson
• William Zisch

The SME Fellow Award continues to set the standard for excellence in the mining and minerals industry. As SME honors this historic 50th class of Fellows, it also looks forward to future leaders who will shape the industry for years to come. Congratulations to all 2025 SME Fellows!