The 2003 annual meeting and a look forward

摘要

As the chair of the division for the next year, I have the privilege of reporting on the success of the 2003 Annual Meeting and our plans for the coming year. To strengthen membership and emphasize coal, aggregate and industrial minerals and sustainable development, SME approved programming that crosses over the more traditional division lines. The Environmental Division joined with others to incorporate mining sectors beyond our normal focus. This approach was successful and led to a well-rounded, well-attended quality program. The Environmental Division Executive Committee met Sunday morning to discuss the plans for 2003. The major items discussed were programming for the 2004 meeting, expanded use of the division's portion of the SME Web site, continuing efforts to increase the scholarship fund, and how to encourage more division members to participate actively. Through the efforts of Carol Russell, our 2004 program chair, we are sponsoring a five-session symposium on Sustainable Development and Mining and five traditional technical sessions. This is an excellent opportunity for more members to participate and become more involved in our division.