The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME) and Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) have inked a memorandum of understanding to create the GMPA, which will guarantee the participating societies access to education and public information as well as business networking and technical exchange opportunities.

In other words, industry professionals regardless of location will have the opportunity to share the benefits of all, according to SME executive director David Kanagy, who confirmed the formation of the alliance late last week.

“The mutually beneficial relationship of the GMPA partners will promote the minerals industry and advance the professional development of members across a wide range of disciplines and areas of expertise,” he said.

Members of all four groups will be offered “visiting member" status and privileges for one year, and much like the respective involved groups some services and benefits will include technical workshops and meetings as well as print and online library access, publication access and other advantages.

“Over time, the GMPA intends to invite all professional and technical mining organizations from around the world to consider membership in the Alliance,” Kanagy said.

SME, the US arm of the group, currently has about 15,000 members representing all parts of the minerals industry in over 100 countries, such as engineers, geologists, educators and researchers.