The Boy Scouts of America have officially unveiled the first "Mining in Society" merit badge, according to Kelly Norton, head of the Arizona Mining Association."Whether it's the source of the metal in a Dutch oven or the key components in a smartphone, mining affects Scouts both in their Scouting activities and in their everyday lives, making this Mining in Society merit badge a great way for Scouts to gain a better understanding of some of the key building blocks of commonly used items," Chief Scout Executive Wayne Brock said.
The Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Inc. (SME) helped the BSA develop the merit badge. "By providing a factual and comprehensive program of instruction, the Mining in Society merit badge ensures that, for years to come, members of the next generation will be introduced to the importance of mining and minerals in their daily lives and have the opportunity to learn about careers in the industry," said former SME chairman John Murphy, who chaired the merit badge committee. SME's team of experts worked closely with the Scouts to shape the program with its focus on mining's key components of exploration, permitting, excavation, processing, production, safety and reclamation.
"We're delighted to see the Boy Scouts of America team up with SME to add U.S. mining to the impressive list of merit badges that have long fostered appreciation and understanding among our youngsters," said Nancy Gravatt, NMA's senior vice president for communications. [Right, Boy Scouts deliver their Report to the Nation to National Mining Association Senior Vice President of Membership Moya Phelleps]
[modified from information provided by the National Mining Association]
