SEG Strategic Plan 2025

The Society of Economic Geologists (SEG) is a global leader in the application of geoscience to the understanding, development, and stewardship of Earth's resources. We foster scientific research and disseminate knowledge regarding the minerals and metals vital for human society. The Society serves as a link between academia and practice in the mineral resources industry through the publication of high-quality research and the provision of superior education.

Our members include geologists, geophysicists, geochemists, engineers, metallurgists, data scientists, and other mining industry professionals, many of whom are at the forefront of research, exploration, and development of mineral deposits. We welcome anyone who supports excellence in geoscience, its application to the understanding of Earth's processes, and its fundamental role in responsible mining.

Membership in the Society provides access to our leading publications, networking, mentoring, skill advancement, and leadership development opportunities. Workshops, field trips, and meetings are held around the world annually, providing access to excellent professional development.

Student members are highly valued, and SEG supports >100 student chapters in >30 countries. These chapters provide a valuable introduction to a career in economic geology through special lectures, workshops, and field trips. A variety of fellowships and research grants support student research globally.

The success of SEG is founded on a history of over 100 years of dedicated volunteer effort, the generous support of individuals and companies, and our strong partnerships with other geoscientific organizations. These elements have built the organization as it is today and will be vital as we continue to adapt and create our future.

Values

Excellence, Integrity, Discovery, Knowledge, Community, Inclusion

Vision

The Society plays a fundamental role in advancing the knowledge of Earth processes and in applying scientific and technical knowledge to the responsible exploration and stewardship of Earth's resources to foster long term sustainable development.

Mission

The Society of Economic Geologists is a diverse, global community of industry professionals and academics committed to advancing the science, discovery, and responsible stewardship of Earth's resources. The Society supports research, scientific dissemination, education, and professional development. We champion innovation, integrity, mentorship, and partnerships for the benefit of human society.

Aspirations (Summary)

  • Create high-quality, relevant, and accessible publications.
  • Deliver innovative and inclusive conferences and events.
  • Provide lifelong learning opportunities for all members.
  • Foster a global community that values understanding Earth's resources.
  • Build resilient and adaptable governance for future sustainability of the Society.

Detailed Aspirations and Objectives

  • Produce the highest quality, respected, and relevant publications in a variety of forms that represent the core knowledge for economic geology.
    • Decrease barriers to publishing high-caliber research in applied geosciences; ensure our publications reflect the diversity of our members and their careers.
    • Produce a steady flow of publications and sources of information that reflect emerging trends, embrace new media, and provide a repository of economic geoscience information for present and future generations of geoscientists.
    • Improve communication and create accessible content regarding our publications.
    • Explore the value/challenges/opportunities of Open Access and artificial intelligence (e.g., large language models) for publications.
  • Host welcoming and innovative conferences and meetings that share new knowledge and build collaborative relationships.
    • Create accessible conference content that reflects the diversity of our discipline and membership, including both geological and geographic diversity.
    • Strengthen partnerships and/or presence of SEG at partner conferences to add value and breadth of content availability for our members.
    • Explore the value, challenges, and opportunities for new formats, content, timing, and locations of meetings (e.g., field-based symposia, practical field courses; regionally focused events in new locations).
    • Build on the recent conference accessibility program to create durable fund for the future.
  • Provide the best economic geology and professional educational content globally, reflecting all career stages and the diversity of career pathways.
    • Create accessible relevant professional development content at all career stages, including skills enhancement in fundamental (e.g., field skills) and emerging areas in economic geology (e.g., data science/machine learning).
    • Facilitate and support the career progression and development of students and early-career professionals.
    • Explore the value, challenges, and opportunities for strengthening partnerships with other institutions and organizations to provide relevant member education and training.
    • Increase the scope, topical breadth, and geographic distribution of learning opportunities and supports.
  • Create a welcoming and respectful global community that supports our goals of excellence in science and responsible stewardship of Earth's resources.
    • Ensure membership reflects the full scope of expertise required to meet the mission of responsible stewardship of Earth's resources.
    • Improve organizational communication within SEG and with the broader geoscience community.
    • Celebrate the diversity and breadth of our membership and foster an inclusive environment in the Society; increase diversity and engagement of volunteers in leadership.
    • Maximize opportunities for volunteer engagement with the organization.
  • Ensure that SEG is structured, governed, and aligned to maximize financial, staff, and volunteer resources while prioritizing transparency, ensuring financial stability, and building institutional resilience.
    • Create and communicate procedures and pathways for decision-making across the organization.
    • Evaluate and update our current governance to align with modern practice.
    • Improve relationships, synergies, and effectiveness between SEGF, SEGCF, and SEG.
    • Cultivate, maintain, and enhance relationships with SEG sponsors and benefactors.