Rio Tinto partners with the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration

Rio Tinto and the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration announced a multiyear partnership during the SME's Conference & Expo in Phoenix, Arizona. (Credit: Rio Tinto)

Rio Tinto and the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) signed a multiyear partnership that will provide professional development opportunities to Rio Tinto employees.

The announcement came at SME's Annual Conference & Expo in Phoenix, Arizona. It will allow Rio Tinto employees to access a full range of services offered by SME, a leading professional association with 14,000 members worldwide, including technical content and trainings, and peer-to-peer networking opportunities with thought leaders.

Rio Tinto says that will also play an active role across SME's network, with a particular focus on promoting best practices in health and safety and developing the next generation of mining professionals

Rio Tinto says that will also play an active role across SME's network, with a particular focus on promoting best practices in health and safety and developing the next generation of mining professionals.

For instance, Rio Tinto will sponsor a competition open to SME's 77 university-based Student Chapters, which challenges participants to find a solution to a real-life situation.

"Attracting and developing the best people is essential to support Rio Tinto's goal of achieving excellent safety and operational performance, both now and in the future. Partnering with SME provides our team with a fantastic opportunity to learn, grow and make a difference in our dynamic industry." Rio Tinto group executive, Growth and Innovation, Stephen McIntosh said.

"This partnership gives Rio Tinto employees access to benefits that will help grow their technical skills and expand their professional networks to stay current with the latest industry trends." SME executive director David L. Kanagy said.

The new agreement will provide SME memberships to 150 employees across Rio Tinto. All employees will have access to webinars and a digital library, including papers, articles and presentations on topics ranging from safety to geotechnical models.

They will also be engaged in volunteer and mentor opportunities with SME Programs, Divisions and student members.

(This article first appeared in the Canadian Mining Journal)