In this SME member spotlight, Annelia Tinklenberg, President of Mining and Environmental Operations at INTERA Incorporated, shares her journey from studying geology and hydrogeology to leading multidisciplinary teams on mining projects around the world. Her work focuses on groundwater, environmental studies and helping mining operations navigate every stage of development—from site investigations to closure.
Annelia discusses how attending her first SME conference opened the door to new professional connections and leadership opportunities within the Society. Through involvement with the Environmental Division, she has built a network of peers across disciplines while helping advance conversations around sustainability, environmental stewardship and responsible resource development.
She also highlights the importance of STEM outreach and encourages students from a variety of backgrounds—including geology, environmental science, economics and engineering—to explore careers in mining. As she explains, the industry offers diverse opportunities for professionals with many different interests and skill sets.
Learn how mining relies on collaboration across scientific disciplines and why the next generation of professionals will play a key role in shaping the future of resource development.