Support the Mining in Society Merit Badge

Mining in Society Merit Badge turns 10: Where Are They Now?                                                           
Submitted by Edward Wellman, MEC Committee

The Mining in Society (MiS) merit badge was introduced by Scouting America to highlight the essential role of mining in our daily lives, inspire interest in the industry, and foster a deeper understanding of the mining profession. Over the last decade, over 45,683 Scouts (young men and women) have earned this badge, many of whom have pursued careers in mining, geology, engineering and related fields. But where are they now? At the 2025 SME Annual Meeting in Denver, we met several MiS merit badge alums who shared their journeys, aspirations and insights on the industry’s future.

Robbie Yordt: Engineering the Future of Mining Equipment

Background and Inspiration Rober Yordt, an undergraduate student at the University of Arizona, is currently studying Systems Engineering with minors in Sustainable Mineral Resources and Mining Equipment Analysis. Growing up in Lakeside, California, he was a member of Pack and Troop 346, where he first encountered mining through an outreach event by Vulcan Materials. His curiosity led him to earn the MiS merit badge at summer camp alongside the Geology Merit Badge.

Career and Industry Outlook Robbie’s passion lies in analyzing the role of mining equipment in safety and efficiency. Although he has not yet had industry experience, he will be interning as an Operations Intern at Vulcan Materials this summer. He sees a bright future for the mining industry as demand for materials increases and believes that hands-on exposure is the best way to inspire future mining engineers. While not formally involved in outreach, he regularly discusses mining’s importance with those around him.

Aiden Adkins: A Multi-Generational Mining Legacy

Background and Inspiration Aiden Adkins, a Junior Mining Engineering student at the University of Kentucky, was born into a mining family. With his father in the industry and both grandfathers having worked as coal miners in Kentucky, Aiden naturally gravitated toward mining. He earned the MiS merit badge through a local merit badge counselor while working toward his Eagle Scout rank.

Industry Experience and Future Prospects Aiden has gained extensive industry experience through multiple internships, including Caterpillar, Kleemann (Wirtgen Group), Rogers Group and Propex. He believes the key to attracting future mining engineers is to showcase the vast opportunities within the industry and combat negative perceptions through education and outreach. As Vice President of the SME University of Kentucky Student Chapter, he actively promotes the MiS merit badge and engages with STEM programs to inspire the next generation.

Dirk Patton: From Peru to Global Mining Opportunities

Background and Inspiration Dirk Patton’s journey into mining began in an international setting. As a member of Troop 5 in Lima, Peru (part of the US Capital Area Council), he had the unique opportunity to visit Newmont’s Yanacocha mine as part of a virtual mine tour. Inspired by his grandfather, Robert Miller—a Montana Tech graduate and geologist—Dirk pursued mining with a passion for exploration and data collection.

Career and Industry Experience Dirk has gained practical experience through geology, tailings management, and water data collection internships. He looks forward to a summer internship with a mining project in Arizona. He emphasizes the vast career opportunities in mining, from engineering to international travel. Dirk is currently a Junior in Mining Engineering at the University of Arizona.

Mitchell Harvey: Advancing Extractive Metallurgy

Background and Inspiration Mitchell Harvey is currently a PhD student in Materials Science Engineering at Montana Tech. He previously completed a master’s degree in Metallurgical and Mineral Processing Engineering. Although he initially sought to earn the MiS merit badge as a troop activity, he completed it with a local merit badge counselor, demonstrating his dedication to learning about mining and metallurgy.

Industry Experience and Research While Mitchell has not worked directly in a mining operation, his research focuses on improving flotation separation processes and developing a selective roasting method for recycling rare earth permanent magnets. Through his prior internships at chemical plants, he was introduced to solids handling, a critical component in mining operations.

Encouraging Future Generations Mitchell believes the mining industry must emphasize its contributions to daily life to counter negative stigmas. He has actively engaged in outreach efforts, including volunteering at the MiS booth at the National Scout Jamboree, where he demonstrated how minerals are essential even in food production (e.g., nickel catalysts in the manufacture of hydrogenated oils). His involvement in SME’s Montana Tech Student Chapter allows him to continue promoting awareness of the industry.

Celeste Saul: Bridging Geology and Energy Resources

Background and Inspiration Celeste Saul, a master’s student in Geology at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, initially resisted the idea of a mining career, despite encouragement from her father, a mechanical engineer at Caterpillar. However, her love for rocks led her to geology, and she eventually realized the interconnectedness of mining, geology, and energy resources. She earned her MiS merit badge during her first year at summer camp in a joint session with the Geology merit badge. Celeste is an Eagle Scout and was the first female in the W. D. Boyce Council in Illinois to earn the achievement.

Research and Future Goals Celeste’s thesis focuses on reevaluating an oil field in the Illinois Basin using subsurface data analysis. She is passionate about ensuring society’s energy needs are met and advocates for young geologists to pursue their interests fearlessly. She actively participates in outreach through SIUC’s geology programs, encouraging students to engage with nature and science.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Mining and Scouting

The Mining in Society merit badge has proven to be a valuable stepping stone for Scouts interested in mining, geology, and engineering. As mining engineers, metallurgists, and geologists demonstrate, earning the badge can lead to meaningful careers and opportunities within the industry. Their experiences highlight key themes:

• Hands-on exposure and mentorship are crucial in inspiring the next generation.
• Diverse career paths exist within mining, from equipment optimization to extractive metallurgy and geology.
• Outreach and education help combat misconceptions about mining and promote industry growth.

For SME members, engaging with youth through programs like the MiS merit badge can help cultivate the future workforce of mining professionals. The mining industry can secure a bright and sustainable future by continuing to mentor, support, and inspire young minds.

For more information on how you can support the Mining in Society merit badge program, email mec@mineralseducationcoalition.com