MMSA Gold Medalists

MMSA Gold Medal

To Nominate someone for an MMSA Gold Medal, download and fill in this form.

1st MMSA Dinner

First Gold Medal Award Banquet. Biltmore “Tavern”, New York NY, March 9, 1914.

The Original Program from the first Gold Medal banquet signed by Herbert and Lou Hoover. 

Andy Hoover, Herbert Hoover’s grandson acquired a copy of the program and allowed MMSA to scan it. The original is in the Herbert Hoover library in West Branch Iowa.

MMSA Gold Medal Presentations

The Mining and Metallurgical Society of America periodically awards a Gold Medal to individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry.  The first MMSAGold Medal was awarded in 1914 with a total of 37 medals being awarded through 2019.  The Gold Medal is awarded

“for conspicuous professional or public service for the advancement of the science of Mining and Metallurgy, or of Economic Geology; for the betterment of the conditions under which these industries are carried on, for the protection of mine investors, and especially for the better protection of the health and safety of workmen in the mines and metallurgical establishments.”

The First MMSA Gold Medal Presentation was to Herbert and Lou Hoover for their contributions to mining literature. They translated De Re Metallica from Latin to English.

MMSA Gold Medalists

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2019 – Pierre Lassonde

Bob Schafer, Chair of the MMSA Gold Medal Committee, presents the Gold Medal to Pierre Lassonde.

Pierre Lassonde was awarded the 2019 MMSA Gold Medal for his leadership serving as a mining executive for a major mining company, as a founder of the largest natural resources royalty company, a mining financier, and a business innovator. He is also notable for his philanthropic contributions to education, health and social services.

Pierre Lassonde Biography

 

 

2018 – Thomas V Falkie

Michael Blois presents the MMSA Gold Medal to Thomas V Falkie

Thomas V Falkie was awarded the 2018 MMSA Gold Medal in recognition of a lifetime of contributions to the mining industry through education, industry management, and government service.

Thomas V Falkie Biography

 

2015 – David L. Kanagy


Mark Jorgensen presents the MMSA Gold Medal to David L. Kanagy

David L. Kanagy was awarded the 2015 MMSA Gold Medal for outstanding leadership that has advanced the global collaboration of technical information, networking and professional development for mining professionals and enhanced public education about mining and minerals.

Mark Jorgensen Introduction and
David Kanagy Acceptance Speech

2013 – Jonathan G Price

Jonathan G Price

Jonathan G Price was awarded the 2013 MMSA Gold Medal for significant contributions to the science of economic geology in the minerals industry, academia, and government.  His dedication to public outreach has improved our understanding and appreciation of the vital role played by mining and minerals in Nevada and the United States.

Text of Acceptance Speech

2011 – Stanley Dempsey

Stanley Dempsey

Stanley Dempsey was awarded the 2011 MMSA Gold Medal for “Raising the bar for achievement in the mineral industry, for his career long effort to promote the mineral industry in the public and governmental arenas, and for his exhibiting a strong ethical standard in all his business dealings”

Text of Acceptance Speech

2010 – Roshan Bhappu*

Roshan Bhappu*

Roshan Bhappu was awarded the 2010 MMSA Gold Medal “For conspicuous professional and public service for the advancement of the sciences of Mining and Metallurgy, and/or of Economic Geology; for the betterment of the conditions under which these industries are carried on, for the protection of mine investors, and especially for the better protection of the health and safety of workmen in the mines and metallurgical establishments.”

 

2009 – Dorothy Gallagher*

Dorothy Gallagher*

Dorothy Gallagher was awarded the 2009 MMSA Gold Medal for “For exemplary dedication as a stalwart supporter of the mining industry and mining education through her efforts to maintain and invigorate the mining program at the Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering as well as vocational education programs in the Nevada community college system.”

 

2008 – Tom O'Neil

Tom O’Neil

Tom O’Neil was awarded the MMSA Gold Medal during the Centennial Celebration Dinner “For a lifetime of dedication across multiple aspects of the mining industry, exemplified by excellence in academia, executive leadership in base metals and iron ore mining, and support of professional mining associations.”

 

2007 – Glen Barton

Glen Barton

Glen Barton, retired chairman of Caterpillar Inc., was awarded the MMSA Gold Medal during the Annual Meeting Dinner. In making the award, outgoing MMSA President Bob Schafer, commented that Glen is the first person from the equipment side of the mining business to be nominated for the Gold Medal.

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2005 – Donald and Mary Hausen*

Donald* and Mary* Hausen

Donald and Mary Hausen were awarded the MMSA Gold Medal “For their significant humanitarian efforts, which have contributed meaningfully in making a positive impact of mining on society.”

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2002 – Leonard Harris

Leonard Harris Leonard Harris was awarded the MMSA Gold Medal for his many achievements as a metallurgist, a manager and most importantly as a humanitarian. His standards in professionalism, integrity and honesty have raised the bar of excellence for those who will follow.

2001 – David Lowell*

David Lowell* David Lowell had many accomplishments as a preeminent world-class geologist while maintaining an impeccable reputation as a gentleman of the highest ethical standard.

2000 – Alberto Benavides*

Alberto Benavides*

Alberto Benavides made a positive impact on the mining industry, academia and community relations in Peru.

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1999 – Milton H. Ward*

Milton H. Ward* had major accomplishments and dedicated service to the mining industry, and his active participation in educational efforts related to the industry.

1990 – Harry Frederick Oppenheimer*

Harry Frederick Oppenheimer* protected mine investors, and especially for the better protection of the health and safety of workmen in the mines and metallurgical establishments.

1988 – Sir Alistair Frame*

Sir Alistair Frame’s* Leadership in the development, financing, and operation of world-class mines and related industrial enterprises on behalf of RTZ.

1984 – Simon Strauss*

Simon Strauss* was an international spokesman on mineral trade and economics and his ability to interpret these subjects to the general public.

1982 – Dr. Charles F. Fogarty*

Dr. Charles F. Fogarty* constructively encouraged the younger generation to enter the minerals industry and his inspirational leadership led to several major minerals discoveries and the emergence of Texasgulf as a broadly diversified natural resource company

1978 – Ian McGregor*

Ian McGregor* was meritorious in his service to the mining industry in the U.S. and abroad; international recognition, particularly in the U.K. and Australia, and for being a driving force in developing AMAX into a world-class mining company

1976 – Plato Malozemoff*

Plato Malozemoff* had leadership and financial skills in developing mineral prospects into great mining enterprises consistent with national interests and a deep sense of social responsibilities.

1973 – Thayer Lindsley*

Thayer Lindsley* applied encyclopedic geologic knowledge, the judicious use of modern technology, and enthusiasm that stimulated others, resulting in the discovery and development of many valuable mineral deposits throughout the world

1966– John Fairfield Thompson*

John Fairfield Thompson* made outstanding contributions to original research, developing new metal uses and guiding a great metallurgical enterprise.

1957 – Donald M. Liddell*

Donald M. Liddell* made many unusual contributions to the art and research of non-ferrous metallurgy.

1955 – Louis S. Cates*

Louis S. Cates* had a distinguished career servicing mining and related industrial activities.

1929 – Cornelius F. Kelley*

Cornelius F. Kelley* distinguished himself in expanding and stabilizing the mining industry.

1928 – Charles A. Banks*

Charles A. Banks* promoted the application of aerial transportation to the development of remote mining operations.

1926 – Daniel Cowan Jackling*

Daniel Cowan Jackling* provided unusual services in the development of low-grade ores.

1924 – Frederick Gardner Cottrell*

Frederick Gardner Cottrell* developed a method to precipitate particles from smoke.

1922 – Robert Peele*

Robert Peele* contributed to the literature on mining.

1921 – Charles Warren Goodale*

Charles Warren Goodale* Improved the safety of mining and metallurgical operations.

1920 – E.A. Chappelen Smith*

E.A. Chappelen Smith* contributed to the art of hydro-metallurgy.

1919 – Charles Eugene Schneider*

Charles Eugene Schneider* contributed to the metallurgy of iron and steel.

1918 – Pope Yeatman*

Pope Yeatman* was known for his administration of mines.

1917 – Edward Payson Mathewson*

Edward Payson Mathewson* contributed to the art of non-ferrous metallurgy.

1916 – James Furman Kemp*

James Furman Kemp* contributed to the advancement of economic geology.

1915 – Robert Hallowell Richards*

Robert Hallowell Richards* known for his advancements in the art of ore dressing.

1914 – Herbert and Lou Hoover*

Herbert and Lou Hoover* contributioned to mining literature.

* Deceased