The Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) and The American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) are forming an alliance that 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 life-cycle 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, 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 non-exclusive basis, to promote technical innovation within the exploration geology and mining industries between their respective members.