October 9, 2025 - The SME Board met on Sept. 14, 2025, with President Bill Hancock presiding. Minutes and committee reports were approved, and Melissa Russell was introduced as the Incoming Executive Director and CEO of SME. President-Elect Mary Korpi outlined the strategic planning process, which will include input from SME leaders. As recommended by the Structure and Governance committee, the charter for a new Automation and Robotics Committee (ARC) was approved.

SME’s Division chairs provided the SME Board with updates of recent activity. Highlights included revisions to awards and division by laws for the Coal & Energy Division. A successful membership increase from open-monthly meetings by the Environmental Division. Continued improvements to webinars and session along with continued support of the CMSP by the Health and Safey Division. The Industrial Minerals & Aggregates Division reported on a potential networking event and field trip at MINEXCHANGE 2026. Increased membership and strong student engagement by the Mineral and Metallurgical Processing Division. The Mining & Exploration Division reported that it presented $35,000 in scholarships and $12,000 to the SME Foundation. The UCA Division reported that is has expanded outreach and engagement through volunteer and student programs and that it bid to host the 2030 WTC in Miami, emphasizing the value of international technology exchange to advance U.S. innovation. The WAAIME Division launched the “Careers that Rock!” program with $30.9K awarded to five universities. They continue supporting youth initiatives like the Mining in Society Merit Badge and All About Mining.

SME’s Strategic Committees provided updates on recent initiatives. The Association Growth Committee is advancing four key efforts: developing a new communications strategy, piloting virtual section programming, identifying new audience segments, and expanding partnership opportunities. An ad hoc group is being formed to further explore virtual member engagement. The Industry Innovation Committee completed a CEO survey to identify desired programming content, with results to be shared with division chairs. They are also developing a forum to connect innovators with industry leaders. The Industry Workforce Committee is refining its Emily Griffith program to enhance university collaboration and is assessing gaps across divisions to improve communication and coordination. The Responsible Mining & Underground Construction Committee is planning the 2026 Symposium on resilient energy, updating public permitting documents in collaboration with GPAC, exploring a mining-specific environmental certification, and working with ESG and Sustainable Development Committees to support policy and accessibility efforts.

Strong financials were reported with $45.6 million in assets and a projected $2.1 million surplus for FY2025. Revenues were down from last year due to lower investment income and the absence of a one-time donation. The tight FY2026 budget includes funds planned for an executive transition, an AMS upgrade, a revision to the SME Strategic Plan and several tech projects funded by the Dewey gift. Even with these one-time costs, a small surplus is expected.

Capital projects span media room upgrades and IT improvements. Investments are expected to earn $2.4 million. The Board approved the FY2026 budget and SME will reopen its $5 million line of credit at SME’s new investment back, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) following SME’s move from UBS for better service and cost savings.

The SME Board also approved the recommendations of the Section Grant Committee to grant three Local Sections a total of $20,000 and the selection of Re-Members, a new Association Management System. Other items included brief reports on the Global Minerals Professional Alliance (GMPA) Meeting held in South Africa and the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers, (AIME) Annual Meeting held in Lexington, Kentucky where David Kanagy received the AIME Presidential Citation from AIME President Steve Gardner.

Meetings reported that the 2026 MINEXCHANGE Annual Conference & Expo will be in Salt Lake City, Utah from February 22-25; registration and housing will open mid-October. Programming plans are underway with the receipt of proposals for 11 short courses to date. Members Eric and Michelle Lutz provided the results of their recent market scan completed for the potential development of SME U. While there may be some positive outcomes for the Society and members, it was agreed that more research, evaluation, and discussion is needed.

The SME Foundation reported more than $1.1 million raised from 1,061 donations, including new corporate partners Metso, Schlam, and South32. Division and section donations totaled $115,000, with additional funds from the SMEF Golf Tournament ($81,000), Gala Dinner ($35,000), and Silent Auction ($32,000). While no new Ph.D. or career development grants will be awarded in 2026 existing commitments remain and will be honored. Current initiatives include outreach events, fundraising campaigns, and support for programs like MEC and Mining in Society Merit Badges, which saw more than 4,000 Scouts earned last year.