September 11, 2025 - Much has changed in the mining industry during the past two decades. There was the supercycle of the early 2000s, a difficult downturn in the mid-2010s and the recovery that followed, leading to another emerging potential supercycle. In the field, automation, electrification and artificial intelligence have fundamentally changed the industry, making it safer and more productive. During that same time, SME  expanded from a struggling professional society to the world’s largest mining society under the leadership of David Kanagy.

In 2003, Kanagy was hired to lead the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration. Under his leadership, SME has grown in relevance, programming and global reach, and has found financial stability. 

On Saturday, Sept. 6, Kanagy was recognized for his contributions to SME and to the United States mining industry with the presentation of the Prazen Living Legend Award from the National Mining Hall of Fame (NMHF) in Leadville, CO.

“Kanagy has been a driving force in advancing initiatives within the SME Foundation and related organizations responsible for disseminating mining/mineral information and technology; promoting professional development and outreach education and changing the public narrative on the significant role that the minerals industry plays in our everyday lives,” the NMHF wrote. “Kanagy has been a tireless advocate for environmentally and socially responsible mining, the advancement of automation and technology in the industry, promoting the highest standards for worker health and safety, and supporting academic programs through SME’s role in ABET accreditation, student scholarships, and faculty development programs. The breadth of his accomplishments have had a profound impact on all sectors of the industry now and in the future.”

Kanagy accepted the award on Sept. 6 at the Tabor Opera House in Leadville with his wife Trish nearby. Kanagy said Trish, along with their two sons, are his biggest supporters.

“I’m very humbled that the Mining Hall of Fame believes that I’ve contributed enough to SME and to the industry to be recognized with many of the previous programs and individuals.  The outstanding efforts that SME has made to grow its outreach and support of the industry is amazing and I’m just happy to have been a part of the work,” said Kanagy.

Known as the “Smithsonian of the Rockies” and the “Premier Showcase of American Mining,” the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum houses 25,000 square feet of interactive and informative exhibits. It shares the evolving narrative of mining and its relationship to our everyday lives. It is the only national mining museum with a federal charter, approved in 1988.

Kanagy was honored along with inductees John W. “Jack” Goth, Edward C. Hegeler, Timothy R. Snider and Jack E. Thompson.

“Every industry has its history roots, short or long, and the mining has deep roots in the growth of civilization,” said Kanagy. “The industry should be proud of what the mining community has contributed, and the industry needs to recognize its industry giants.  The National Mining Hall of Fame has done an excellent job of identifying these people and telling mining’s story.  I commend what they have done and encourage people to support their efforts with their time, money, and expertise.”