The Northern Nevada Section of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) stands as a cornerstone of professional development and education in the region’s mineral extraction community. As part of the larger SME organization, which serves more than 15,000 members across 85 countries, our local section focuses on fostering excellence and innovation in Nevada’s vital mining industry. Our vibrant community includes professional engineers, geologists, metallurgists, educators, researchers, and students, all working together to advance the minerals community through information exchange and professional development.

Throughout the academic year, we host monthly dinner meetings that serve as vital forums for knowledge exchange and professional networking. These gatherings feature technical presentations from industry experts, covering cutting-edge developments in mining engineering, geology, metallurgy, and sustainable extraction practices. Our commitment to education is demonstrated through our close partnership with the Mackay School of Earth Science and Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno, where we provide free admission to our dinner meetings for students and distribute annual scholarships to qualified applicants.

As a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, we remain dedicated to reinvesting in our community’s future through scholarship programs and educational initiatives that help cultivate the next generation of mining professionals. Our work supports not only individual professional growth but also maintains Nevada’s position as a global leader in mineral extraction. By fostering connections between industry veterans and emerging professionals, supporting academic excellence, and promoting technical innovation, the Northern Nevada SME section continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of mining in our region.