The Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Inc. (SME) is pleased to announce team “Teaching Kids” from Columbia has won the 2017-2018 Move Mining competition. The Move Mining competition is an international program designed to engage professionals, young professionals and students within the industry and outside the industry with the question, “How can I change the world’s perception of mining?”

Presenting before a live audience and broadcast to thousands of viewers through SME Facebook live, this team of five students from Columbia – Thomas Meza, Isabel Casabuenas, Sebastian Arenas, Sharon Escalante and Jesus Castillo – shared their idea on how to change the public’s perception of mining by motivating youth during key developmental years. Team “Teaching Kids” concept addressed the fundamental components of change and took home the grand prize of $5,000 for their creativity, ingenuity and passion. The Move Mining live event was made possible in part by sponsorship from PolyMet Mining.

“Move Mining is an outstanding effort to push the needle on the perception of mining forward,” said Dave Kanagy, SME Executive Director. “After a second year, it is amazing to see the potential projects that could be worked on to improve the perception of mining.”

The 2018-2019 Move Mining competition kicks off May 1, 2018. Professionals, young professionals and students from within the industry and outside the industry are encouraged to participate in this exciting competition. Learn more about Move Mining at www.MoveMining.org.

SME is a professional society (nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation) whose members represent all professions serving the mining, minerals and underground construction industries in more than 100 countries. SME members include engineers, geologists, metallurgists, educators, students and researchers. SME advances the worldwide minerals community through information exchange and professional development.