The Mining and Metallurgical Society of America (MMSA) is a professional organization dedicated to increasing public awareness and understanding about mining and why mined materials are essential to modern society and human well being. MMSA delivers this message to two different public sectors:

• • public policy makers including elected officials and regulatory agencies; and

  • to all levels of the educational system.

Since its inception in 1908, MMSA has provided valuable information and guidance to federal, state and local governments on a number of important public policy issues dealing with mining. MMSA has also made substantial contributions to educational programs that help teachers inform students about mining and how minerals are used. In the ninety years since then, MMSA has played an important role in a series of actions benefiting the industry.

The 114 charter members who started MMSA were men of extraordinary vision who recognized the need for a mining professional society to focus on the complex policy issues facing the mining industry.

As examples of MMSA’s contributions, MMSA played a pivotal role in persuading Congress to establish the U.S. Bureau of Mines, helped institute annual financial reports for corporations to protect investors, and led the campaign to appoint state mine inspectors. This tradition of involvement in key mining policy issues continues today.

MMSA members work with other organizations such as the American Exploration & Mining Association to develop information useful in legislative and public policy dialogues about mining. MMSA members have provided advice, given testimony,

passed resolutions, and developed professional papers on a number of important issues including revisions to the Mining Law, mine taxation, health and safety, labor relations, economics, the environment, and education. The Government Committee continues to monitor legislation related to mining and develops policy statements to guide legislators about reasonable regulations.

Today, MMSA’s members include men and women who are executives, leaders, and decision makers in engineering, law, education, and the scientific disciplines related to mining and mineral processing. Membership in MMSA provides these professionals with a unique opportunity to contribute their

energy and expertise to mining public policy and educational arenas. In this way, membership in MMSA is highly complementary to membership in other industry professional societies that are primarily focused on the technical aspects of mining and mineral processing.

Membership in MMSA is by invitation based on recommendations from existing members. Candidates must demonstrate the highest level of leadership, technical competence, ethical standards, and desire to promote the interests of the Society. MMSA is actively seeking new, qualified members who are interested in contributing their energy and leadership. If an MMSA Member has notified you that you are being considered for membership, we are pleased to consider your application. To assist you in this, please click on the Membership Information link.