The Environmental Division of SME provides a means for cooperation and communication among professionals in the minerals industry engaged in all aspects of the physical environment as they relate to the mining industry, including:
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Promotes safe and environmentally sound mining practices.
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Provides a forum for the exchange of technical information, publishing technical papers, organizing technical meetings and programs.
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Encourages and promotes education on any subject related to these phases of the mining industry.
- 2025 - Environmental Division Annual Meeting Minutes
- 2024 - Environmental Division Annual Meeting Minutes
- 2023 - Environmental Division Annual Meeting Minutes
- 2022 - Environmental Division Annual Meeting Minutes
- 2021 - Environmental Division Annual Meeting Minutes
- 2019 - Environmental Division Annual Meeting Minutes
- 2018 - Environmental Division Annual Meeting Minutes
- 2017 - Environmental Division Annual Meeting Minutes
- 2016 - Environmental Division Annual Meeting Minutes
Environmental Division Annual Luncheon & Silent Auction
This event is a fantastic opportunity for division members to network while supporting the Environmental Division scholarships.
Many thanks to our generous sponsors!
Click here to view the photos on SME's Flickr page
Student Poster Contest
Students have the opportunity to show off their work and a chance to put cash in their pockets to further their education.
Environmental Division Scholarships
Environmental Division Committees
Volunteer Questions
Do you have questions about getting involved? Contact volunteer@smenet.org for more information about how you can share your passions with the industry.
Environmental Division Committees
The Environmental Division Benefactor Award is administered by the SME Environmental Division Executive Committee.
| Name | Position | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amar Patel | Chair | 03/01/2026 | 02/28/2027 |
| Heather Halderman | Vice Chair | 03/01/2026 | 02/28/2027 |
| Nina Astillero | Program Chair | 03/01/2026 | 02/28/2027 |
| Stephen Bogart | Program Planning Chair | 03/01/2026 | 02/28/2027 |
| Mrs Genevieve M. Sutton | Secretary | 03/01/2026 |
The Committee shall review the nominations for the Environmental Division Distinguished Service Award recipient.
| Name | Position | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heather Halderman | Chair | 03/01/2026 | 02/28/2027 |
| Amar Patel | Member | 03/01/2026 | 02/28/2027 |
| Omar A. Smith | Member | 03/01/2026 | 02/28/2027 |
| Mrs Genevieve M. Sutton | Member | 03/01/2026 | 02/28/2027 |
| Nina Astillero | Member | 03/01/2026 | 02/28/2027 |
| Stephen Bogart | Member | 03/01/2026 | 02/28/2027 |
The Committee shall have oversight of all activities within the Environmental Division.
| Name | Position | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amar Patel | Chair | 03/01/2026 | 02/28/2027 |
| Heather Halderman | Vice Chair | 03/01/2026 | 02/28/2027 |
| Omar A. Smith | Past Chair | 03/01/2026 | 02/28/2027 |
| Mrs Genevieve M. Sutton | Secretary-Treasurer | 03/01/2026 | 02/28/2027 |
| Nina Astillero | Program Chair | 03/01/2026 | 02/28/2027 |
| Stephen Bogart | Program Planning Chair | 03/01/2026 | 02/28/2027 |
| Laura A. Nelson | SME Staff | 02/12/2024 |
There are currently no members to display for this committee.
The chief responsibility of the Environmental Division Nominating & Planning Committee is to fill vacant positions on Division and SME committees as needed.
| Name | Position | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amar Patel | Member | 03/01/2025 | 02/28/2027 |
| Lisa N. Gonzales | Member | 03/01/2025 | 02/28/2027 |
The Committee shall review all applications for the EVD Scholarship and select the recipient(s).
| Name | Position | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Torres | Member | 03/01/2025 | 02/28/2027 |
| Mackenzie Best | Member | 03/01/2025 | 02/28/2027 |
The Joint Standing Committee provides linkage between the Acid Drainage Technology Initiative Metal Mining Sector and the SME Environmental Division. The Chair and Co-Chair shall also serve as EVD representatives on the ADTI-MMS Steering Committee and as session Chair and Co-Chair for the current ADTI-MMS Program Committee. The Co-Chair also serves on the Program Planning Committee and advances through the Chair and Past Chair positions. The Past Chair advises the SME ED Nominating and Planning Committee on nominations for representatives.
| Name | Position | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethan Wologo | Chair | 03/01/2026 | 02/28/2027 |
| Mackenzie Best | Vice Chair | 03/01/2026 | 02/28/2027 |
| Patrick T. Williamson, PG, QP | Past Chair | 03/01/2026 | 02/28/2027 |
| Denise Levitan, PG, PHD | Member | 04/04/2025 | |
| Laura A. Nelson | SME Staff | 03/01/2024 |
The Committee shall review the nominations for the SME/AIME Environmental Stewardship Distinguished Service Award and select the recipient.
| Name | Position | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heather Halderman | Chair | 03/01/2026 | 02/28/2027 |
| Amar Patel | Member | 03/01/2026 | 02/28/2027 |
| Omar A. Smith | Member | 03/01/2026 | 02/28/2027 |
| Mrs Genevieve M. Sutton | Member | 03/01/2026 | 02/28/2027 |
| Nina Astillero | Member | 03/01/2026 | 02/28/2027 |
| Stephen Bogart | Member | 03/01/2026 | 02/28/2027 |