About the Society

The Society of Economic Geologists (SEG) is a leading global nonprofit dedicated to advancing the understanding, development, and stewardship of Earth's resources through geoscience. It connects academia with industry, focusing on the minerals and metals essential to society. SEG provides members with access to high-quality publications, educational programs, networking, mentorship and professional development opportunities. The Society values student involvement, supporting numerous student chapters and offering fellowships and grants for research. SEG's success is built on over a century of volunteer effort, industry support, and strong partnerships with other geoscientific organizations.

Strategic Plan

In 2024, SEG conducted an organizational planning exercise and developed a new strategic plan to guide the Society over the next 5 years, starting in 2025.

Origin

In December 1919, a group of geologists met for lunch in Boston during a Geological Society of America (GSA) meeting. Led by Waldemar Lindgren, they created the "Committee of Seven," with Josiah Spurr as chair and Donald Hewett as interim secretary. Their goal was to unify and elevate standards in applied geology. By March 1920, they had expanded to a "Committee of 60" and elected R.A.F. Penrose, Jr. as president. They allied with the journal Economic Geology set membership standards and planned regular meetings. SEG held its first official meeting in December 1920, welcoming 143 Charter Members including 17 from other countries.

Currently SEG has more than 6000 members in over 100 countries.

Objectives

• To advance the science of geology through the scientific investigation of mineral deposits and mineral resources and the application thereof to exploration, mineral resource appraisal, mining, and mineral extraction.
• To disseminate basic and applied scientific information arising from investigations of mineral deposits and mineral resources through SEG conferences, field trips, short courses, workshops, traveling lectures, and publications.
• To advance the status of the profession of economic geology, and to maintain a high professional and ethical standard among its members.

Membership

Both professional and student members have access to a network of fellow explorationists and essential research material—invaluable assets in today's demanding employment market. Society membership ensures early alerts and discounted rates for hands-on courses and publications designed to enhance one's skill set and knowledge base. Learn more about the benefits of membership.

Management

The policies of SEG are formulated by a Council and Executive Committee, with implementation by an appointed Executive Director.

The Executive Committee consists of the following: President (Committee Chair), President-Elect, Past President, Vice President for Regional Affairs, Publications Board Chair, and Treasurer. The Executive Director is an ex officio non-voting member of the Executive Committee.

The Council consist of the following: President, President-Elect, Past President, Vice President for Regional Affairs, Vice President for Student Affairs, Treasurer, Publications Board Chair, Councilors (x9), President of the Society of Economic Geologists Foundation, as an ex officio voting member of the Council, and Executive Director, as an ex officio non-voting member of the Council.

The nine Councilors are responsible for nominating candidates for SEG Medals and Awards, with final recipients selected by Council.

The nine Councilors are also the nine members of the SEG Foundation (SEGF).

Separate Society committees recommend candidates for awards and lectureships.

A Welcoming Community of Earth Resource Professionals

SEG is committed to fostering an open, welcoming, and respectful global community. We recognize that that the participation of people with a variety of backgrounds, identities, and experiences strengthens both our profession and our scientific contributions.

We are dedicated to creating an accessible professional society while maintaining the highest ethical and scientific standards. SEG welcomes all geoscientists regardless of background, ethnicity, nationality, age, gender identity, disability, or neurodiversity.

To support a thriving and dynamic membership, SEG promotes:

• A safe, respectful, and welcoming workplace and learning environment.
• Access to scientific content and member professional opportunities for all persons and career stages.
• Mentorship, financial support, and educational resources for underrepresented groups, students, and early-career geoscientists.
• Awareness and training on unconscious bias and respectful practices.
• Clear policies and provided examples to encourage non-discriminatory and collaborative environments.

We strive to continuously improve our efforts toward respectful, accessible and welcoming practices, ensuring that all members feel valued and empowered to contribute to the field of economic geology.