Environmental Division

As a member of the Environmental Division of SME, you have access to professional networking and leadership opportunities with peers who share your career objectives.

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:

  • Promotes safe and environmentally sound mining practices,

  • Provides a forum for the exchange of technical information, publishing technical papers, organizing technical meetings and programs, and

  • Encourages and promotes education on any subject related to these phases of the mining industry.

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!

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Click here to view the photos on SME's Flickr page!

Environmental Division Bylaws
Environmental Division Handbook
Environmental Division Brochure
Environmental Division Operating Guidelines
Environmental Division Conference Manual

Environmental Division 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

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 Committees

The Environmental Division Benefactor Award is administered by the SME Environmental Division Executive Committee.

Name Position Start End
Omar A. Smith Member 03/01/2021 02/28/2024
Jen Pepe Member 03/01/2021 02/28/2024
Annelia Tinklenberg Member 03/01/2021 02/28/2024
Lisa N. Gonzales Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2024
Carol Kiser SME Staff 03/01/2021 02/28/2050

The Committee shall review the nominations for the Environmental Division Distinguished Service Award recipient.

Name Position Start End
Jen Pepe Chair 03/01/2023 02/28/2024
Amar Patel Member 03/01/2022 02/28/2027
Annelia Tinklenberg Member 03/01/2021 02/28/2024
Omar A. Smith Member 03/01/2021 02/28/2024
Heather Halderman Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2028
Lisa N. Gonzales Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2024
Carol Kiser SME Staff 03/01/2021 02/28/2050

The Committee shall have oversight of all activities within the Environmental Division.

Name Position Start End
Jen Pepe Chair 03/01/2023 02/28/2024
Annelia Tinklenberg Vice Chair 03/01/2023 02/28/2024
Lisa N. Gonzales Past Chair 03/01/2023 02/28/2024
Omar A. Smith Secretary-Treasurer 03/01/2023 02/28/2024
Amar Patel Program Chair 03/01/2023 02/28/2024
Heather Halderman Program Planning Chair 03/01/2023 02/28/2024
Nahomi Sayuri Caururo Norabuena Representative 03/01/2023 02/28/2024
Mackenzie Best Representative 03/01/2023 02/28/2024
Mr Chris Ryckeley SME Staff 04/19/2023 02/28/2030

The Membership Committee encourages interest and membership in EVD.

Name Position Start End
Jen Pepe Chair 03/01/2023 02/28/2024
Jeff Keller, PG Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2024
Nina Astillero Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2024
Mr Chris Ryckeley SME Staff 03/15/2023 02/28/2050

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
Lisa N. Gonzales Chair 03/01/2023 02/28/2024
Omar A. Smith Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2026
Amar Patel Member 03/01/2022 02/28/2027
Liane T S George Member 03/01/2022 02/28/2024
Annelia Tinklenberg Member 03/01/2021 02/28/2025
Jen Pepe Member 03/01/2020 02/28/2024
Heather Halderman Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2025
Leslie M. Watson Member 03/01/2022 02/28/2025

The Committee shall review all applications for the EVD Scholarship and select the recipient(s).

Name Position Start End
Liane T S George Chair 03/01/2023 02/28/2025
James F. Renner, PG Member 03/01/2022 02/28/2024
Irene Montero Member 03/01/2022 02/28/2026
Emily Schlenker Member 03/01/2022 02/28/2024
Daniel Torres Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2026
Carol Kiser SME Staff 03/01/2021 02/28/2024

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
Larry Williams Chair 03/01/2023 02/28/2024
Dr. Rens B. Verburg Co-Chair 03/01/2023 02/28/2024
Denise Levitan, PG, PHD Past Chair 03/01/2023 02/28/2024
Mr Chris Ryckeley SME Staff 04/19/2023

The Committee shall review the nominations for the SME/AIME Environmental Stewardship Distinguished Service Award and select the recipient.

Name Position Start End
Annelia Tinklenberg Chair 03/01/2023 02/28/2024
Jen Pepe Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2025
Amar Patel Member 03/01/2022 02/28/2027
Lisa N. Gonzales Member 03/01/2022 02/28/2024
Omar A. Smith Member 03/01/2021 02/28/2024
Heather Halderman Member 03/01/2023 02/28/2027
Carol Kiser SME Staff 03/01/2021 02/28/2050

Environmental Division Awards

Environmental Division Benefactor Award

Environmental Division’s Benefactor Award was established in 2014 to recognize companies or individuals who have significantly contributed to the Silent Auction to benefit the Environmental Division Scholarship Fund.

Links to the Award Page

Environmental Division Distinguished Service Award

The Environmental Division Distinguished Service Award, established in 2001, recognizes members who have significantly contributed to the workings of SME and the Environmental Division and have an outstanding reputation for professionalism and accomplishment.

Links to the Award Page

Environmental Stewardship Distinguished Service Award

The Environmental Stewardship Distinguished Service Award was established by AIME in 1970 to recognize significant contributions to environmental conservation by addition to knowledge; by the design or invention of useful equipment of procedure; or by outstanding service to governmental or private organizations devoted to any field of environmental conservation. In 2011, AIME transitioned this award to SME.

Links to the Award Page

Environmental Division Benefactor Award

Links to the Award Page

Environmental Division Distinguished Service Award

Links to the Award Page

Environmental Stewardship Distinguished Service Award

Links to the Award Page

Environmental Division Benefactor Award

Links to the Award Page

Environmental Division Benefactor Award

Nominations for this award will open on 04/01/2024

Environmental Division Distinguished Service Award

Links to the Award Page

Environmental Division Distinguished Service Award

Nominations for this award will open on 04/01/2024

Environmental Stewardship Distinguished Service Award

Links to the Award Page

Environmental Division Scholarships

ENV Div & Veolia Water Technologies Scholarship

Environmental Division Scholarship applicants may be considered for a $2,000 scholarship sponsored by Veolia Water Technologies (Veolia). To be considered for the Veolia Scholarship, applicants must submit a short essay (approximately 250 words) explaining why water is an essential part of the mining process. To submit an anonymous recommendation letter for a student, please email it to scholarships@smenet.org with the student's first and last name and the scholarship name as the file name.

Link to the Scholarships Page