Clubs and Groups

AIPG American Institute of Professional Geologists logo.

American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG)

Michigan Tech Student Chapter

AIPG, founded in 1963, is the largest association dedicated to promoting geology as a profession. AIPG represents the professional interests of all practicing geoscientists in every discipline. Its advocacy efforts are focused on the promotion of the role of geology and geologists in society.


Student looking at rock specimens.

Copper Country Rock and Mineral Club (CRMC)

If you share our passion for rock collecting you have come to the right place. If you have no experience but have always been curious about those “neat looking rocks” you see, you have come to the right place. We are family-oriented and welcome new members regardless of your experience.


Geology Club students standing outside.

Geology Club

This club is designed to allow students to discover the properties of minerals and geological environments through trips to the field, primarily focused on the local area. The club is focused on outdoor activities which are used to apply academic knowledge to minerals and rocks in their natural settings and to encourage a life-long interest in mineral collecting as well as technical aspects of preparing raw specimens.


Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration students wearing vests and hardhats.

Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration

Established to promote among its members continued professional growth in the areas of mining, metallurgy, geology, and exploration, and to encourage professional responsibility which includes ethical, social, economic, and safety considerations.

We try to further mining education at Michigan Tech for interested students. Specifically, we promote the mining and materials processing related classes, visit mining operations (past and present), and attend the National SME meeting.


Sigma Rho members standing on a trail in the woods.

Sigma Rho

Sigma Rho’s Alpha Chapter, founded in 1892, was the first professional mining fraternity in the United States. We were the first fraternity on the Michigan College of Mines campus (now known as Michigan Technological University), and are one of the oldest fraternities in the United States.

Goals of the fraternity were to "perpetuate a true fraternal spirit among its’ members, thus providing lasting benefits for its’ members while in college and after graduation.


“Within the Society of Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, an entire working group has been established in the last four years that is dedicated to tailings, and all the challenges that come with them.”Nathan Manser, professor of practice in Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences, on mining history, future, and remaining dangers

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