Interstate Mining Compact Commission
​Annual Minerals Education Awards Program

Introduction

Begun in 1999, the Interstate Mining Compact Commission (IMCC) Minerals Education Awards are presented each year in two categories: the Mining Awareness Educator Award and the Public Outreach Category. The IMCC awards are intended to identify and recognize educators, companies and organizations who make innovative efforts in promoting understanding and education about earth science and about mining and its impacts based on the criteria below.

Criteria for Selection

Mining Awareness Educator Award: This award is presented to a teacher or school from one of the member states of the IMCC that has achieved excellence in one or more of the following categories:

• Provided educational outreach in an innovative manner that increases the level of understanding in the classroom and/or community about mining and its impacts
• Promoted environmental stewardship while enhancing the understanding of issues associated with mining and natural resource development
• Created unique educational materials or curriculum demonstrating the production and/or use of minerals and associated environmental protection

The criteria can be met through classroom and/or out-of-classroom (i.e. field trips, mine tours, etc.) activities. The winner will receive a framed award certificate or an engraved plaque and a $500 gift certificate for classroom resource materials.
 
Public Outreach Award: This award is presented to an industry, environmental citizen or other group, or to a state government body, that has achieved excellence in one or more of the following categories:

• Provided educational outreach in an innovative manner that increases the level of understanding in the community about mining and its impacts
• Promoted awareness of environmental stewardship associated with mining through active involvement of citizens
• Fostered cooperation and partnerships with diverse groups to achieve understanding
• Enhanced the understanding of issues associated with mining and natural resource development
• Fostered public education through mine tours, visitor centers, community awareness days, career days, personnel volunteerism in the schools, maintaining adopt-a-school programs or education partnerships, or any other innovative initiative deemed deserving by the awards committee

​The winner will be presented with an engraved plaque of recognition.

View the ​Past and Present Awards Winners