Sme Foundation

The mineral education coalition (mec) is the society for mining, metallurgy and exploration foundation's designated program to develop and deliver accurate and timely k-12 education materials and activities and conduct public awareness outreach about mining and minerals. The mec is the successor entity of the mineral information institute (mii) which was merged as of november 1, 2008 and sme's government, education and mining (gem) program.

The peng ground control mining award is given in recognition of individuals that have demonstrated technical and scientific excellence in advancing the understanding of ground control technologies or approaches by either publication or direct applications in the mining industry. The annual award will be given to an individual or group that: (1) has shown insight and understanding of ground control issues by developing concepts, theories or technologies that have been adopted by the mining community, or (2) has successfully implemented a ground control design or designs or practices. The award will be available to individuals/groups that have made such contributions to ground control related to coal and/or noncoal (metals, commodities, etc.) or aggregate mines. In addition, in 2009, the syd s. Peng fund added two ground control in mining scholarships to promote the science of ground control. Recent trends in mining engineering professionals indicate a shortage of competent ground control engineers. To help remedy this situation and promote the ground control engineering discipline, an undergraduate and/or graduate scholarship(s) will be awarded annually to encourage the development of ground control engineers.

Education, outreach, and events.