The Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) and the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) are pleased to announce an official partnership between their two organizations. This alliance will enhance professional collaboration and participation in joint opportunities to promote geology and exploration to benefit members of both organizations.

Geology plays an important role throughout the mine lifecycle and many mining professionals are also professional geologists.

“This relationship creates an excellent opportunity for geoscience professionals from SME and AIPG to collaborate in developing stronger programming on economic geology topics benefiting the members of both groups,” said Ronald L. Parratt, 2022 president of SME. “Members will notice an increase in annual meeting programming, as well as potential special symposia, seminars and field trips related to the important topic of economic geology. We are excited about this partnership and look forward to working with AIPG.”

“I am very pleased to see the formalization of the strong relationship that our organizations had already established through many years of members being active in both AIPG and SME, and the common interests shared on an organizational level, by AIPG and SME,” said Matthew Rhoades, president of AIPG. “Geologists are essential in mining, and AIPG believes that this formal agreement will benefit our members who are working in the mining industry, as well as in a wide variety of other work places.”

SME and AIPG will work collaboratively, on a nonexclusive basis, to promote technical innovation within the exploration geology and mining industries between their respective members.

About APIG: The American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG), founded in 1963, is the largest association dedicated to promoting geology as a profession. It presently has more than 5,000 members in the U.S. and abroad, organized into 35 regional Sections. The Institute adheres to the principles of professional responsibility and public service and is the only international organization that certifies the competence and ethical conduct of geological scientists in all branches of the science with members employed in industry, government, and academia.

About SME: The Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) brings together the mining and mineral industry’s brightest and most dedicated professionals. Over 13,000 global members advance their careers with the world-class technical resources, educational programs, networking opportunities and professional development tools from SME. Our members are focused on sharing best practices for safety, environmental stewardship and moving mining forward.