Tapping into Past Chair wisdom: Interview with Jami Dwyer

J ami Dwyer, a Professional Mining Engineer with more than 30 years of experience, has held various roles in research, operations, engineering and strategic leadership. Her extensive experience combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of industry operations and a demonstrated commitment to safety, innovation, operational efficiency and environmental stewardship. As a leader in her field, Dwyer has been appointed to several significant roles within professional organizations, including the American Rock Mechanics Association’s board of directors; the National Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine’s Committee on Geological and Geotechnical Engineering; and SME’s Mining & Exploration (M&E) Division Executive Committee. In addition to being Past Chair of the M&E Executive Committee, she was also a member of multiple committees for program planning, finance, professional engineering, awards and journal oversight, and currently serves as the M&E representative on the Sustainable Development Committee. Dwyer holds B.S. degrees in mining engineering and computer science from Montana Tech, an M.S. degree in mining engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology, and a professional certificate in Energy Innovation & Emerging Technologies from Stanford University’s Continuing Studies. How did you first get involved with SME? I first became involved with SME through a student chapter at Montana Tech. I was a lucky recipient of a WAAIME scholarship and also held officer roles for our student chapter. Through the student chapter, we were able to attend field trips to operating mines, and I also got to attend the SME Annual Meeting. Seeing an underground longwall shearer operating at a face is something that a textbook or a video simply cannot replicate. How did you get involved with the M&E Division? The majority of my career has been centered around openpit and underground precious metal mines, which made the M&E Division a seamless choice. As my career advanced, I recognized that a successful mining operation depends on effective performance of every department, including engineering, operations, maintenance, environmental, processing, social impact, sustainability, and safety and health. That is why it is important to get involved and learn from all of the divisions to help SME be a valuable resource for our industry. What is an initiative you started or accomplished while serving as M&E Chair? I have been heavily involved in SME for many years, including chairing a local section for more than a decade, serving on numerous committees including two terms on the PE Committee, organizing multiple technical sessions, writing and reviewing technical papers, serving as a mentor and more. All of these experiences were a good foundation for eventually being nominated to the M&E Executive Committee. As M&E Chair, I worked to improve communications and record-keeping, and standardized some processes to make it easier for both staff and future volunteers. During my tenure, we were also able to significantly increase the amount of scholarship money that was awarded and started annual donations of $10,000 to the Ph.D. Fellowship program. Ensuring we have a robust stream of both students and quality professors in the extractive industries is important for the health of our industry and critical for our nation. What has been your favorite role or favorite part of SME (other than serving as Chair)? My favorite part of SME is the annual meetings and the chance to catch up with old friends and new. We used to have a segment called the Operators’ Forum, where many of the leaders of the mining industry would “compete” in game-show-style formats or raucous good-natured debates. It involved a lot of sidesplitting laughter. I also found that being an SME mentor was highly rewarding. It has been fun to meet so many students over the years and genuinely rewarding to watch the many successes of my “kids” (mentees) as they advanced in their own careers. What is the hardest aspect of serving on an executive committee? Serving on an executive committee is not difficult and can be a rewarding experience. I believe members that agree to take on this role should make a personal commitment to not only fulfill the basic responsibilities of the role, but also to enhance the committee’s value and contribute positively to SME and the broader industry. In any volunteer organization, circumstances may arise when individuals become busy and struggle to meet their commitments, placing additional burdens on colleagues. However, when committee members engage actively rather than simply maintaining the status quo, the organization can continue to strive toward being the premier trade organization for the mining industry. What is a piece of advice that you would want to pass down to the younger generation? So. Many. Things. I am laughing because there are so many life lessons I wish I had known, but we certainly do not have the print space for that. Top 10: (1) Build your network — it is invaluable. (2) Be an advocate for our industry — it is more critical than ever and one of the most publicly misunderstood. (3) Try new things — never be afraid to accept a new role at work. (4) Ask for help when you need it. (5) Never stop learning — ever! (6) Get involved — in your workplace, in your professional societies, in your community. (7) Be safe — watch out for yourself and others. (8) Stay healthy, find mental balance. (9) Have fun. And last, but not least: (10) Tap ‘er light.

Tapping into Past Chair wisdom: Interview with Jami Dwyer

Authored by: Emily Rose, mining geotechnical engineer, Barr Engineering

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A big thank you to all of our Industrial Minerals Review authors

Submit to MINEXCHANGE 2027 proceedings and Environmental Division Student Poster Contest

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