SME, SME Foundation and AIME will present awards in 2026

SME Presidential Citations Sanja Zlatanic SME recognizes Sanja Zlatanic for “her outstanding service to the Underground Construction Association (UCA). Her leadership as chair of the Fox Conference Committee and her elevation to vice chair of the ITA Executive Council, representing the United States, exemplify her commitment to advancing the tunneling profession. Through her efforts, she has fostered international collaboration, mentored emerging tunnel professionals and contributed technical expertise to major global infrastructure projects. Her dedication to promoting underground construction and elevating the U.S. tunneling community has left a lasting and meaningful impact on the industry.” Zlatanic is an internationally recognized expert in tunnel and infrastructure engineering, bringing more than three decades of leadership to some of the world’s most complex underground transportation projects. She has led every phase of multibillion-dollar tunnel programs worldwide, offering exceptional expertise in underground risk management, sustainable and nondisruptive underground transportation solutions, and the design and construction of advanced tunneling systems in dense urban environments. Since 2016, Zlatanic has served as chair of HNTB’s National Tunnel Practice, secretary-general of the Associated Research Centers for Urban Underground Space (ACUUS) and vice president of the International Tunneling Association (ITA-AITES). Through these global leadership roles, she has mentored generations of engineers while promoting innovation, technical excellence and inclusivity across the industry. A steadfast advocate for diverse perspectives and collaborative leadership, Zlatanic continues to drive transformative, sustainable outcomes shaping the future of transportation and tunneling worldwide. Mary Korpi SME recognizes Mary Korpi for “her exemplary leadership as chair of the SME Executive Director Search Committee. For the first time in more than 20 years, SME convened a search committee to identify and recruit a new executive director and CEO in anticipation of Dave Kanagy’s retirement in March 2026. When called upon by SME Officers to lead this critical initiative, Korpi accepted the responsibility without hesitation. Through steady guidance and strategic vision, she led a diverse committee in a thoughtful, inclusive and collaborative process that culminated in the outstanding selection of Melissa Russell as SME’s next Executive Director and CEO. This citation honors Korpi’s exceptional leadership and her pivotal role in shaping the future of SME and is a testament to her enduring impact and unwavering commitment to the organization’s mission and success.” A chemical engineering graduate of Michigan Technological University, Korpi began working for Newmont Mining Corp.’s Magma Copper Co. in 1976 where she held various metallurgical services positions. She transferred to Newmont’s Nevada operations in 1987 and served in a variety of capacities, including director of metallurgical services, leach and mill superintendent, and director of external relations and communications. Since retiring after four decades in the mining industry, Korpi has continued her involvement and support of the industry through volunteer boards and commissions. She served as the SME Foundation 2019-2021 President and was elected as AIME Honorary Member in 2022. Korpi serves as vice chairperson of Nevada’s Commission on Mineral Resources and was elected to the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum’s board of governors in 2021. Korpi was recognized in 2016 as a Distinguished Nevadan for her profound and lasting impact on the lives of all Nevadans. She has been inducted into Michigan Technological University’s Presidential Council of Alumnae and the Nevada Women’s Fund Women of Achievement. Kimberly Mills SME recognizes Kimberly Mills for “her exemplary leadership, steadfast commitment and exceptional perseverance and her distinguished service as chair of SME’s Extraction 2025 Organizing Committee. Throughout the planning and execution of this major international conference, Mills demonstrated remarkable diligence and professionalism in navigating the complexities of a multinational organizational environment. Her ability to lead with clarity, patience and resolve was instrumental in overcoming numerous logistical and strategic challenges. Under her guidance, the committee delivered a highly successful event that not only fostered meaningful professional engagement but also contributed significantly to the advancement of technical knowledge.” Mills is a senior process engineer at Samuel Engineering. She holds a Ph.D. and B.S. in metallurgical and materials engineering from the Colorado School of Mines. Mills is a hydrometallurgical expert spanning rare earths, base, precious and battery metals, and is an MMSA Qualified Professional in metallurgy/processing. Her doctoral research was conducted using pressure oxidation and she has several publications and a patent from her work. She is an affiliate faculty member of the Kroll Institute for Extractive Metallurgy and member of the Mining Engineering Department Industry Advisory Council at the Colorado School of Mines. WAAIME Peru section SME recognizes the WAAIME Peru Section’s enduring commitment to SME’s mission, especially through recent, innovative programs that empower young engineers. Over 70-plus years, they have awarded more than 850 scholarships and delivered thousands of coaching sessions. More recently, they have expanded student skill sets through global job-readiness initiatives and strategic partnerships with mining industry leaders — creating valuable learning and networking opportunities. These efforts strengthen SME membership value and equip Peruvian members with the skills and connections to thrive in a global mining workforce. Gila valley, AZ Sme local section SME recognizes the Gila Valley, AZ SME Local Section for its outstanding dedication to advancing the mission of SME through impactful community engagement and educational support. The Gila Valley, AZ SME Local Section has demonstrated exemplary leadership by promoting scholarships for trade school students via local radio shows and community events, fostering awareness and opportunity for the next generation of skilled professionals. Its continued partnership with Freeport Safford Operations, including co-sponsorship of the intern event for a second consecutive year, reflects a sustained commitment to cultivating future industry professionals and strengthening ties with SME. SME Awards Robert M. Dreyer Award to Richard A. Leveille The Robert M. Dreyer Award is presented to Richard A. Leveille “for his outstanding track record of multiple, significant base and precious metals discoveries worldwide as well as major reserve additions at existing mines.” Leveille grew up in the mining business, following his father, who worked for Kennecott, around to many of the major copper camps of the United States. He got his B.S. in geology from the University of Utah and M.S. in geology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He worked for AMAX, Kennecott, Rio Tinto, Phelps Dodge and Freeport-McMoRan in the United States, Mexico, Chile and Brazil, among others. Leveille retired from Freeport as senior vice president – exploration in September 2017. Since then, he has been hiking, writing, consulting and serving on the boards of several junior exploration companies, including IGAsia, Falcon Copper and Forte Minerals. He has been involved in discoveries on several continents and has published papers on the psychological, technical and economic aspects of exploration.Leveille and his wife Janice split their time between Mesa, AZ and Santa Fe, NM, where their daughters and families live. Ivan b. Rahn education Award to Kramer (Kray) D. Luxbacher The Ivan B. Rahn Award is presented to Kramer (Kray) D. Luxbacher for her “tireless efforts in educating and mentoring our future leaders, furthering SME education initiatives and promoting health, safety and other responsible mining practices in university curricula.” Luxbacher is the Gregory H. and Lisa S. Boyce Leadership Chair, executive director and head of the School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources at the University of Arizona. Her primary research interests are in underground mine ventilation, including monitoring and characterization of gases and particulates, fire simulation and prevention, and risk analysis. She is passionate about mining engineering education and the onshoring of critical minerals production. She is active in several SME committees and leads the Mineral School Heads Committee. She is a past member of the National Academies Committee on Earth Resources, and she is a registered Professional Engineer. Prior to joining academia, Luxbacher worked for mining companies as an underground production foreman and engineer. In addition to her B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. in mining engineering, she also earned a graduate certificate in Engineering Education from Virginia Tech. John fritz medal Award to Mau-Chung Frank Chang The John Fritz Medal Award is presented to Mau-Chung Frank Chang “for pioneering contributions and innovations in the development of heterojunction and system-on-chip technologies with unprecedented functionality, bandwidth and reconfigurability.” Chang is the Wintek Chair in Electrical Engineering and a Distinguished Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Throughout his career, he has focused on the research and development of high-speed semiconductor devices including heterojunction bipolar transistors and CMOS integrated circuits for radio, radar, RF-interconnect, spectrometer and AIoT system-on-chip applications from microwave to terahertz frequencies. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, European Academy of Sciences and Arts, National Academy of Inventors, and an academician of Academia Sinica, Taiwan. He was also recognized with the IEEE David Sarnoff Award (2006), IET J.J. Thomson Medal for Electronics (2017) and IEEE/RSE (Royal Society of Edinburgh) James Clerk Maxwell Medal (2023) for his pioneering contributions to modern high-speed electronics with unprecedented functionality, bandwidth, efficiency and reconfigurability. He served as president of the National Chiao Tung University in HsinChu, Taiwan from 2015-2019. Robert E. Murray Innovation Award to FLS The Robert E. Murray Innovation Award is presented to FLS “for launching the MissionZero Mine initiative, advancing sustainable mining solutions that significantly reduce water use, energy consumption and emissions across the mineral processing life cycle.” At FLS, its mission is to transform the mining industry through innovation and sustainability. With more than 140 years of experience, it is a global leader, providing the technology, knowledge and services that empower miners to meet growing demands while minimizing environmental impact. Its value proposition is simple: FLS empowers miners to optimize production and meet global mineral demands responsibly. By balancing efficiency, risk management and environmental responsibility, FLS helps its customers unlock new opportunities and ensure long-term success. Outstanding Student Chapter Report Contest Award to Norwood Chapter The Outstanding Student Chapter Report Contest Award is presented to Norwood Chapter “for educational outreach to K-12 students, including creating a virtual merit badge fair for scouts, developing a curriculum for sharing aspects of the mining industry and building a diorama to educate individuals about underground stone mining.” Cindy Moore Courageous Impact Award to Mary M. Poulton The Cindy Moore Courageous Impact Award is presented to Mary M. Poulton, with great appreciation for her “leadership and support in developing a global mining industry workforce that is successful, resilient and capable of meeting 21st-century challenges.” Poulton is a University Distinguished Professor Emerita in mining and geological engineering at the University of Arizona. She was the first woman to head an engineering department in the history of the university. She cofounded and directed the Lowell Institute for Mineral Resources, a multidisciplinary collaboration of disciplines from exploration geology to sustainable development. She is now chief executive officer of Desert Saber LLC, which creates cloud-streamed experiential learning software for occupational and safety training. Poulton’s research on machine learning and artificial intelligence for the past 35 years has led to her authoring books and more than 100 publications as well as earning patents and innovations in the mining, oil and natural gas, and water industries. Poulton is an SME Fellow and past member of the SME Board of Directors. She is a recipient of the 2017 National Engineering Award, the 2019 Daniel Jackling Award and the American Mining Hall of Fame Medal of Merit. SME Foundation Awards C. DALE AND KATHLEEN B. ELIFRITS MEC Leadership Award to Gregory W. Kruse The C. Dale and Kathleen B. Elifrits Minerals Education Coalition (MEC) Leadership Award is presented to Gregory W. Kruse “in honor of his tireless efforts to educate the public about mining and natural resources.” Kruse received his bachelor of science in geology from Southern Illinois University and master of science in geology from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in 1997. Since then, he has been working in the uranium, trona, lead, zinc, silver and cobalt mining industries. During his career, he has worked in Wyoming, Georgia, Idaho, Australia and British Columbia. Over the past 20 years, Kruse has visited classrooms throughout the state of Wyoming and spoken to more than 2,700 K-12 students and teachers. He discusses how his interests in the Earth sciences from a young age have led him to a career in geology in the mining industry. Kruse’s outreach involves educating the public of all ages about the positive benefits and the importance of mining and mineral resources. He supplies mining education materials to children and provides them with mineral samples to get them interested in the minerals industries. MEC Organization recognition Award to The SME Colorado Section MEC Subsection The MEC Organization Recognition Award is presented to the SME Colorado Section MEC Subsection “for outstanding mineral educational outreach, including many years of dedication to the Colorado community through classroom presentations and promoting the Scouting America Mining Merit Badge.” MEC partnership appreciation Award to Vulcan Materials The MEC Partnership Appreciation Award is presented to Vulcan Materials “for many contributions to educating the public and specifically K-12 students in the environmentally responsible use of natural resources.” Vulcan Materials Co. is an international producer of construction materials essential to the standard of living of advanced and developing societies. Its mission is to provide quality products and services that consistently meet customers’ expectations, be responsible stewards with respect to the safety and environmental impact of its operations and products, and earn superior returns for shareholders. Syd S. and Felicia F. Peng Ground Control in Mining Award to Michael Karmis The Syd S. and Felicia F. Peng Ground Control in Mining Award is presented to Michael Karmis “for his innovative research, impactful scholarship and committed leadership in the areas of rock strata behavior and mine subsidence prediction.” Karmis, upon his retirement from Virginia Tech after 44 years of service, was recognized as the Stonie Barker Professor Emeritus of Mining and Minerals Engineering, and Director Emeritus, of the Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research. He now serves as managing partner of Michael Karmis LLC. His expertise is in the areas of geomechanics, health and safety, carbon management and energy planning, and the sustainable development of energy and mineral resources. He has authored/coauthored more than 180 scientific papers and directed more than 62 major projects with funding in excess of $70 million. His research has been supported by federal and state agencies, foundations and the private sector. A Professional Engineer (P.E.) and SME Competent Person, Karmis is an active consultant to the mining and energy industries, academic institutions, government agencies, engineering companies, and financial and legal firms. He served as the 2002 SME President and the 2008 American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers (AIME) President. He was elected as the 2002 president of the Society of Mining Professors and served from 2005 to 2012 as its secretary-general. He currently serves as president of the Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Health and Safety Inc., a nonprofit entity that has funded in projects nearly $50 million, mostly in academic institutions via competitive solicitations, directed toward the realization of the foundation’s mission. MEC Student Chapter Education outreach Award to Norwood Student Chapter The MEC Student Chapter Education Outreach Award is presented to the Norwood Student Chapter at the University of Kentucky (UK) “for educational outreach to K-12 students, including creating a virtual merit badge fair for scouts, developing a curriculum for sharing aspects of the mining industry, and building a diorama to educate individuals about underground stone mining.” The Norwood Student Chapter honors Charles J. Norwood, the first head of Kentucky’s mine safety agency and former head of the College of Mining at UK. Norwood served as inspector of mines from 1884 to 1893, and chief inspector from 1893 to 1896 and again from 1902 to 1919. The chapter, comprising undergraduate and graduate mining engineering students, is dedicated to fostering professional growth and instilling a sense of ethical responsibility. By emphasizing ethical, social, economic and safety considerations, the chapter prioritizes community involvement as a core value, ensuring members engage meaningfully with the local community while developing as responsible professionals. SME Fellows The SME Fellow (previously Distinguished Member) class of membership was established by SME to honor those members who achieve distinction deemed worthy of special recognition. It acknowledges members who have attained eminence in industry or the academic world, or who have made significant and sustained contributions to SME. Kwame Awuah-Offei The SME Fellow designation is awarded to Kwame Awuah-Offei for his valuable contributions to mining engineering practice, through his participation in developing industry standards and training of industry professionals at all levels. Awuah-Offei is the Union Pacific/Rocky Mountain Energy Professor in Mining Engineering and chair of the Department of Mining and Explosives Engineering at the Missouri University of Science and Technology (S&T). He holds B.S. and Ph.D. degrees in mining engineering from S&T and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana, respectively. He has more than 20 years of research, teaching and industry experience. His research focuses on the design and management of sustainable mining systems. Awuah-Offei has received nearly $8 million in research funding and published more than 100 articles in journals and conference proceedings. He is a fellow of the West African Institute of Mining, Metallurgy & Petroleum. He was awarded the SME Environmental Distinguished Service Award in 2023. He served as the mining engineering academic fellow for the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (2015-2016), where he was the technical lead on the rulemaking for Regulation S-K 1300. Matt Blattman The SME Fellow designation is awarded to Matt Blattman in recognition of his outstanding professional accomplishments in mine engineering, as well as his steadfast commitment and significant service to SME.Matt Blattman is vice president – technical services at Hecla Mining Co., based in Coeur d’Alene, ID. He leads a corporate technical team supporting Hecla’s four operating mines and advanced greenfield and brownfield projects. Blattman specializes in mine planning, strategic optimization and automated design tools. A dedicated SME member for 28 years and Founding Registered Member, Blattman recently served on the SME Board of Directors. He previously chaired the Mining & Exploration (M&E) Division Executive Committee and served on multiple strategic committees, including Structure & Governance, Education & Professional Development, and Nominating. He chaired the Young Leaders Committee in 2004 and received the M&E Division Outstanding Young Professional Award in 1999. Blattman holds a B.S. in mining engineering from the Mackay School of Mines, University of Nevada and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Nevada. Samuel Frimpong The SME Fellow designation is awarded to Samuel Frimpong for his outstanding contributions and service to SME and the mining and metals industry. Frimpong is professor of mining and explosives engineering at the Missouri University of Science and Technology (S&T). He holds a Ph.D. (1992) from the University of Alberta in Canada, an M.S. (1988) from the University of Zambia, a graduate diploma (1986) and B.S. (1985) from University of Mines and Technology in Ghana. His research areas are surface mining, mine automation and intelligent systems, machine dynamics, energy transitions and decarbonization, and mine safety and health. His research results include 54 Ph.D. and M.S. graduates, five books, 10 book chapters, more than 350 refereed publications and more than 350 presentations, including 40 keynotes and distinguished lectures. Three significant career awards include the 2024 AIME Minerals Industry Education Award by SME, 2017 Daniel C. Jackling Award by SME, and Robert H. Quenon Endowed Chair by S&T (2004-2023). Frimpong serves on the Council for Botswana University of Science and Technology. He is a member of the UNEP Council of Experts on Sustainable Mining and Metals, U.S. Board on Natural Resources, and College of Reviewers for Canada Foundation for Innovation. He is editor-in-chief of the Journal of Powder Metallurgy and Mining as well as the WAIMM Journal of Resources Engineering. He is a Professional Engineer with memberships in APEGA, SME, CIM, ASCE, Society for Modeling and Simulation International, Association of Computer Machinery, and West African Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum. Dave Meadows The SME Fellow designation is awarded to Dave Meadows for his work over the past five years to revive the Scotch Nightcap function with the inclusion of the Bass Metals rock band. Meadows graduated from the Camborne School of Mines in Cornwall, England with a B.Sc. (Hons) in mineral processing technology. He has 40 years of diversified international experience across six continents. His broad experience in minerals processing ranges from test programs, flowsheet development, conceptual studies, feasibility studies, basic and detailed engineering, construction, commissioning and plant optimization. He is a recognized subject-matter expert in copper and gold processing, and specifically in mineral processing unit processes. Meadows started his career in operational roles for the gold and diamond mining industry in South Africa with Johannesburg Consolidated Investments and De Beers Consolidated Mines. While with Bechtel International Mining and Metals he was involved in the design development phases of several significant projects, including Los Pelambres, Sossego, Weipa Bauxite and Escondida Phase IV. He then spent four years with Phelps Dodge working on the project development teams of Tenke Fungurume in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Climax Molybdenum new concentrator design and joined the Cerro Verde I team as commissioning manager in Peru. In 2008 he joined FLSmidth, leading its global process technology group. He is now Bechtel’s chief technology officer, responsible for its three centers of excellence in Chile, Australia and Bahrain. In SME, he has served on the Mineral & Metallurgical Processing Division (MPD) comminution and plant design unit committees and the MPD Executive Committee, and presented at the annual conferences on topics in mineral processing and project development. In 2018 he became a Bechtel Fellow in recognition of his technical excellence in mining and metals, and in 2024 was elected principal vice president. He is a Chartered Engineer in the U.K. and holds a Professional Engineer status in the United States. AIME Honorary Members Komar Kawatra The AIME Honorary Membership is awarded to Komar Kawatra “in recognition of a lifetime devoted to educating mineral processing students at Michigan Tech University and distinguished service to SME. His students remain his enduring legacy.” S. Komar Kawatra joined the faculty at Michigan Tech as an associate professor in 1977. He was promoted to professor in 1985 and chaired the Department of Mining and Materials Processing Engineering from 2000-2002 when its programs were merged into other academic departments. He served as chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering from 2007 to 2017. He has received numerous honors and awards, including the 2000 Robert H. Richards Award from the American Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, the Taggart Award from the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, and the 2002 Frank F. Aplan Award from the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers. At Michigan Tech, he received the 1987 Research Award. He has a number of patents and has published more than 150 technical publications. He has edited or authored eight books and coauthored “Coal Desulfurization: High-Efficiency Preparation Methods,” a reference book for practicing engineers. Kawatra served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Minerals & Metallurgical Processing Journal and the Mineral Processing & Extractive Metallurgy Review Journal. He has served on the Board of Directors of SME and was Chair of the Mineral Processing Division of SME. He was also the director of the Michigan Tech Advanced Sustainable Iron & Steel Making Center (ASISC). David L. Kanagy The AIME Honorary Membership is awarded to David L. Kanagy in recognition of “28 years of distinguished service to AIME and 22 years of bold, visionary and transformative leadership as SME’s Executive Director and CEO.” Kanagy has served since 2004 as the executive director and chief executive officer of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Inc. (SME). Kanagy helped facilitate much of the Society’s growth and innovation as the world’s largest mining-related organization. He has a B.S. degree in industrial education from the University of Maryland, an M.S. degree in technology education from Eastern Illinois University and is a certified association executive by the American Society of Association Executives. Under his leadership, several unique programs were created or advanced including OneMine.org, the world’s foremost online mining research library. He enhanced legacy programs and increased collaboration with international organizations. Kanagy is the recipient of two prestigious awards: the Colorado Society of Association Executives’ Professional of the Year Award and the Mining and Metallurgical Society of America’s Gold Medal Award. AIME Awards William L. Saunders Gold Medal Award to Jami Girard Dwyer The William L. Saunders Gold Medal Award is presented to Jami Girard Dwyer, P.E., “for her distinguished achievement in metal-mining safety and operations.” Dwyer began her mining career at the U.S. Bureau of Mines developing rockburst analysis software for the Lucky Friday, Sunshine and Homestake mines and later advanced safety monitoring technologies at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Her M.S. thesis at the University of Missouri–Rolla was among some of the earliest research using radar and hyperspectral imaging for mine slope stability monitoring. In 2007, she went to work for Barrick Gold and held multiple leadership roles in technical services, operations, mobile maintenance and corporate innovation. Later, Dwyer worked as a consultant and business development lead for Barr Engineering, expanding its western U.S. market and establishing a new regional office. She has served on the board of directors for the American Rock Mechanics Association, the National Academies for Science Engineering and Medicine’s Committee on Geological and Geotechnical Engineering, and multiple SME committees, and she is an SME Fellow. Charles F. Rand Memorial Gold Medal to Lawrence P. Radford The Charles F. Rand Memorial Gold Medal is presented to Lawrence P. Radford “for outstanding commitment to people, safety, and the communities in which he operates.” Radford has more than 40 years of leadership experience in the mining industry. He currently serves as a board member for Revival Gold and previously served as president and chief executive officer of Argonaut Gold Inc., with mines in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Before Argonaut, Radford served as chief operating officer of Gold Standard Ventures and for eight years as senior vice president and chief operating officer of Hecla Mining Co. Prior to his role at Hecla, Radford held roles with Kinross Gold Corp., including vice president and general manager of the Fort Knox Mine in Alaska and vice president of South American operations. Radford worked with Barrick Gold Corp. from 1989 to 2007, including 14 years at the Goldstrike Mine in Nevada, two years in Chile and two years as general manager of the Cowal Mine in New South Wales, Australia. Radford received a bachelor of science in mining engineering from the University of Idaho and an M.B.A. from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He is a registered Professional Engineer. Daniel C. Jackling Award to Ralph J. Stegen The Daniel C. Jackling Award is presented to Ralph J. Stegen “for his distinguished achievements in exploration geology, resource development, and ore reserve additions.” Stegen was born and raised in northern Utah. His interest in geology is rooted in family trips in the Wasatch Mountains, visits to national parks and historic mining districts, and a geology class in high school. As an undergraduate, he aided Hellmut Doelling (Utah Survey) on mapping projects. Stegen’s industry experience started as a geologist underground in Park City, then on porphyry molybdenum- and silver-rich manto exploration in Colorado. Following a thesis examining the origin of Aspen deposits under the direction of Tommy Thompson, Stegen started at Morenci in 1991 on district exploration and modeling projects. He transferred to Tyrone and returned to Morenci as chief geologist. In 2001, he became vice president of exploration for Phelps Dodge and Freeport-McMoRan with responsibility for exploration and modeling activities at their properties in North and South America. He retired from Freeport in 2020 and now works part-time as a consultant. Environmental Division Stewardship Distinguished Service Award to Lisa Kirk The Environmental Division Stewardship Distinguished Service Award is presented to Lisa Kirk “for contributions through her work and research to advance the understanding of biogeochemistry and environmental geochemistry of mined materials.” Kirk is principal biogeochemist and manager of Enviromin, a division of RESPEC, which specializes in microbial and environmental geochemistry and its application to mine waste and water management. Kirk’s expertise lies in the aqueous and biogeochemistry of mined materials, and their evaluation throughout the mine life cycle. Kirk also has expertise in the assessment, fate and transport, and management of acid rock drainage and metal release potential, as well as geochemical modeling of rock-water interactions and prediction of mine water chemistry. She specializes in the biogeochemistry and design of in situ water treatment bioreactors, such as saturated rock fills, focused on management of nitrate, selenium, arsenic, mercury and sulfur. Kirk has completed environmental biogeochemistry investigations and water management projects throughout the United States, and in Canada and South America. Kirk also serves as affiliate professor in the Montana State University Chemical and Biological Engineering Department. Erskine Ramsay Medal to Stephen C. Tadolini The Erskine Ramsay Medal is presented to Stephen C. Tadolini “for innovations in mine roof support resulting in improved safety in the coal industry.” Tadolini has conducted research, consulted and solved complex ground control issues for 45 years. He worked as a principal investigator at the U.S. Bureau of Mines until its closure in 1996, then served as technology manager and principal for Excel Mining Systems and Australian National Industries (ANI). He later returned to NIOSH as branch chief, ground control division. After his retirement he accepted a position as vice president of technology and technical services at Minova USA Inc., a global supplier of ground support products for mining, tunneling and civil industries, where he worked for 18 years. He holds B.S. and M.S.C.E. degrees in civil and geotechnical engineering from the University of Colorado and a Ph.D. in mining engineering from West Virginia University. Tadolini has authored and coauthored more than 70 technical publications and has been awarded several U.S. and international patents. He was presented with the Syd S. and Felicia F. Peng Ground Control in Mining Award in 2014. Frank F. Aplan Award to James E. Gebhardt The Frank F. Aplan Award is presented to James E. Gebhardt “for significant contributions to fundamental and operational coal-minerals flotation chemistry and optimization/control for coal-mineral processing/hydrometallurgical operations.” Gebhardt graduated with a B.S. in metallurgical engineering from South Dakota Mines and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in minerals engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. He then joined the U. S. Bureau of Mines at Avondale, MD, spent one year at the Mineral Processing Laboratory of the Italian National Research Council, in Rome, Italy, and then moved to the Salt Lake City Research Center. Gebhardt joined the private industry sector in 1991 with Control International Inc. as a senior engineer and group leader. In 1996, he cofounded Process Engineering Resources Inc., a company specializing in X-ray fluorescence elemental analysis and software and simulation technology. In 2012, FLSmidth purchased PERI and Genhardt joined as a technical specialist. He moved to the R&D group in 2019, providing technical support for the comminution and flotation research portfolios, and retired in 2022. Gebhardt is a registered Professional Engineer and has been an active member of SME since 1976. He is the current editor-in-chief for mineral and metallurgical processing for SME’s technical journal Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration. Howard N. Eavenson Award to Robert P. Kudlawiec The Howard N. Eavenson Award is presented to Robert P. Kudlawiec “for distinguished contributions to the advancement of the coal mining industry.” Kudlawiec is recognized as a mining expert by industry, academia and professional societies. He has demonstrated sustained contributions to the mining industry for more than 49 years. During this time, he has functioned at the project-management level through key senior-level positions at several companies and has participated and directed numerous mining operations. Kudlawiec holds a B.S. degree in mining engineering from The Pennsylvania State University and an M.B.A. degree from Wheeling College. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania and seven additional states. He is also a certified mine manager in three states. He is president of the Pennsylvania Board of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Surveyors. Kudlawiec is a 47-year member of SME and is an SME Registered Member. He was selected in 2010 as a Distinguished Fellow of the SME Pittsburgh Section and was honored in 2018 as an SME National Distinguished Fellow. Kudlawiec has served SME on both the local and national levels. He has been involved with SME through the Pittsburgh Section and has progressed through the ranks of the Coal & Energy Division, a member in the SME Foundation, a national Board Member of SME and was chair or a member of numerous SME national committees. Mineral Economics Award to Alan K. Stagg The Mineral Economics Award is presented to Alan K. Stagg, PG, CMA, “for his decades of commitment to the mineral industries in providing appraisal and economic evaluation services at the highest level of technical practice and ethical standards.” Stagg is president and chief executive officer of Stagg Resource Consultants Inc. He is an economic geologist with 61 years of experience in the mining, minerals and energy industries. A substantial portion of his career has involved the provision of acquisition-related services for a variety of mineral commodities, involving geologic, operational and economic analyses. Additionally, he has 45 years of experience in natural resource-related appraisals, including the appraisal of mineral estates and leasehold interests; the appraisal of intangible assets such as sales contracts, storage field easements, and interests in oil and natural gas enterprises; and the appraisal of business enterprises and equity interests. His activities have been conducted throughout the United States and several Canadian provinces, and in Brazil, Colombia, Ghana, Mexico, Mongolia and Russia. Stagg is a registered Professional Geologist in 15 states, a Certified Mineral Appraiser by the International Institute of Minerals Appraisers, and an SME Registered Member. He has a substantial history of providing expert testimony in a wide variety of venues. Mineral Industry Education Award to Navid Mojtabai The Mineral Industry Education Award is presented to Navid Mojtabai “for his tireless and dedicated efforts to sustain the mining engineering program at New Mexico Tech and to advance mineral industry education capacity.” Mojtabai is a full professor in the Mineral Engineering Department of New Mexico Tech. He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in mining engineering from New Mexico Tech and a Ph.D. in mining engineering from the University of Arizona. His Ph.D. studies were concentrated on explosive engineering, drilling and blasting. Mojtabai has 35 years of experience in teaching and research in various areas related to mining engineering. He has worked in a vast and diverse range of areas related to the mineral industry, including drilling and blasting, rock slope stability, underground mining and construction, mine waste facility and tailings dam design, mineral evaluation, to name a few. Mojtabai has been able to establish close contacts with other mining engineering programs around the world. He has voluntarily provided several short courses to international students. Robert Earll Mcconnell Award to Donald R. Taylor The Robert Earll McConnell Award is presented to Donald R. Taylor “for a lifetime of significant contributions to the mining industry including the discovery of the Hermosa deposit to help replenish the critical minerals resource base in the United States.” Taylor has more than 40 years of domestic and international mineral exploration and mining experience. He holds a B.S. degree in geology from Southeast Missouri State University and an M.S. degree in geology from the University of Missouri–Rolla. He is the 2019 recipient of the SME Robert M. Dreyer Award and the 2018 recipient of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada’s Thayer Lindsley Award for the 2014 discovery of the Taylor lead-zinc-silver deposit. Taylor has served in various capacities for large- and small-cap companies, including Arizona Mining, BHP Minerals, Bear Creek Mining, Doe Run Resources, Westmont Mining Co., Titan Mining and Augusta Gold Corp. Taylor currently holds board positions with Titan Mining Corp., Augusta Gold Corp. and the Solaris Copper Co. Robert H. Richards Award to Robert E. McIvor The Robert H. Richards Award is presented to Robert E. McIvor “for his long service and numerous contributions to the science and practice of comminution and mineral processing.” McIvor, principal metallurgist at Metcom Technologies Inc., and consulting metallurgist for comminution at Corem, has devoted his career to the design and optimization of grinding circuits. He learned slurry pump and mill application engineering (under Fred Bond) at Allis-Chalmers. Subsequently working with hydrocyclones at Linatex, he discovered the “functional performance equation” for ball milling circuits, and went on to develop it through Ph.D. studies at McGill University. Using these experiences, he partnered with milling operations to develop a training program with all the steps to measure and increase the efficiency of plant grinding circuits. This training, certified by The Engineering Institute of Canada, and provided online in multiple languages, has been studied by more than a thousand metallurgists worldwide. McIvor was awarded the Art MacPherson Medal for “significant contributions to comminution technology” by CIMM, was corecipient of the CEEC Medal for Operations, and was named a Fellow of AIME. Hal Williams Hardinge Award to Rajesh Raitani The Hal Williams Hardinge Award is presented to Rajesh Raitani “in recognition of outstanding achievements and exceptional dedication in the field of mining chemicals.” Raitani is a senior marketing manager (segment manager) in the global mining division at Nalco Water–an Ecolab Company. He is responsible for creating and implementing business growth strategies for the fertilizers (phosphate and potash) and lithium segments. His areas of expertise include product development and implementation, manufacturing and operations, process improvements and marketing, built on his knowledge of surface chemistry, mining and mineral processing and application of antiscalants, flotation reagents, solid-liquid separation and defoamers. In his 22-year service tenure, Raitani has contributed to the mining and metals, chemicals, and building materials industries through his work at NMDC Limited Solvay & USG Corp., in operations and management, technology and research functions. Raitani has been an SME member since 2007 and holds a bachelor of technology in mining engineering (IIT-ISM Dhanbad, India), a master of science in environmental engineering (University of Utah) and a global master of business administration (University of Durham, Durham, UK). He is a certified First Class Mine Manager under the Indian Mines Act, 1952, has several publications and presentations in reputed mining, tunneling and processing journals and symposia and a few patent applications. Raitani has also received several awards from SME and his workplaces for outstanding accomplishments and innovations. James Douglas Gold Medal Award to Kaixi Jiang The James Douglas Gold Medal Award is presented to Kaixi Jiang “For the creative contributions in non-ferrous extractive metallurgy in technology innovation, industrial operation, and education.” Dr. Kaixi Jiang currently is the chief scientist of Zijin Mining Group Co., Ltd. He also serves as a professor in the Zijin School of Geology and Mining at Fuzhou University, China and as the chief scientist at BGRIMM Group Co., Ltd.. Since he was admitted to Northeastern Institute of Technology (current Northeastern University) in 1978, he has been engaged in the R&D of metal extraction process and engineering application, technology management, national industry strategy and education in the field of non-ferrous metallurgy for 46 years. His research accomplishments and leadership have broadly impacted the non-ferrous metallurgy community nationally and internationally. Dr. Jiang also is an active member and leader in the non-ferrous metallurgy communities, and played a critical role for the leading professional societies. He has served as the Vice Chairman of Chinese Nonferrous Metal Society (2010-2021), Standing Director of China Mining Association (2013 - 2018). He attracted numerous young researchers to participate conferences in non-ferrous metallurgy, and also was a supporter of TMS-NFsoc joint conferences over last years. He has conducted more the 200 research projects funded by government and industry, published more than 200 technical papers and books, more than 60 patent issued. SME Awards Celebration, Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City, 5:30-8 pm End MINEXCHANGE on a high note at the SME Awards Celebration. Join us to honor the achievements and milestones of SME’s remarkable innovators, leaders and experts during this celebratory reception.After a multimedia awards presentation, you can enjoy a reception with beverages and hors d’oeuvres. You will be able to congratulate colleagues and see these impressive awards up close. It is a great final networking opportunity. Cheers to those raising the bar a little higher and moving mining forward.This reception is included in your conference registration.

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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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