February 27, 2024 - Each year, the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) presents more than 70 awards throughout the week at the MINEXCHANGE SME Annual Conference & Expo. SME award recipients represent the highest levels of professionalism and expertise in the mining and minerals industry, with awards given for both individual and group achievements.

The 2024 SME Awards Celebration will take place on Wednesday, February 28 from 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown. Pivoting to a new format this year, the event is now open to all attendees and is included in MINEXCHANGE conference registration. 

“Recognition of members by their peers for their career achievements that improve the mining industry is one of the greatest benefits that SME provides to its members,” said Marc Le Vier, 2023 SME President. “We want more participation from all levels of members, from students to Legion of Honor members, and we feel the new format can achieve this goal.” 

Notable awards include:  

- Charles F. Rand Memorial Gold Medal, presented to Jimmy A. Brock 

- Mineral Economics Award, presented to Thomas F. Brady 

- Mineral Industry Education Award, presented to Samuel Frimpong 

- AIME Honorary Member Award, presented to Ihor A. Kunasz and Thomas J. O’Neil 

- Erskine Ramsay Medal, presented to Michael A. Trevits 

- Frank F. Aplan Award, presented to Barry Wills 

- Hal Williams Hardinge Award, presented to Edward F. McCarthy 

- Ivan B. Rahn Education Award, presented to Rick Honaker 

- John Fritz Medal, presented to Asad M. Madni 

- Robert E. Murray Innovation Award, presented to Consol Energy Inc. 

- Robert Earll McConnell Award, presented to Denise C. Johnson 

- Robert H. Richards Award, presented to Richard H. Johnson 

- Robert M. Dreyer Award, presented to John M. Proffett

- William Saunders Gold Medal, presented to Barbara A. Filas 

For more information regarding the 2024 SME Awards Celebration and a full list of recipients, visit smeannualconference.org/awards.