We are proud to announce that Scott Stebbins, a pioneer in mining cost estimation and engineering, has been honored with the prestigious AIME Mineral Economics Award. Presented by the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME) on behalf of the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers (AIME), this accolade recognizes Scott’s exceptional contributions to advancing the field of mineral economics throughout a career spanning over four decades.
What is the AIME Mineral Economics Award?
The AIME Mineral Economics Award was established in 1965 to recognize distinguished contributions to the advancement of mineral economics. The award, which transitioned to SME in 2011, honors individuals who have significantly shaped this critical field. Open to professionals worldwide, the award emphasizes advancing mineral economics through innovative thinking, impactful research, and lasting contributions. For Scott, receiving this award represents the culmination of a lifetime dedicated to improving how mining professionals understand and manage the economics of their projects, cementing his place as a leader in mining cost estimation and analysis.
A Career of Innovation and Impact
Scott’s journey in the mining industry began in the late 1970s after earning his Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering from the University of Idaho. Early in his career, he joined the U.S. Bureau of Mines, where he played a pivotal role in developing systems to estimate mining costs. These groundbreaking efforts laid the foundation for many of the cost-estimation tools still used in the industry today.
In 1995, Scott founded Aventurine Engineering, where he developed the Sherpa suite of software tools. These programs revolutionized cost estimation in the mining sector, offering specialized solutions for surface and underground mining, placer mining, mineral processing, and reclamation. Sherpa quickly became a standard in the industry, trusted by private companies and government agencies alike.
Scott’s Connection to Costmine
Costmine’s journey as a trusted resource for mining professionals began in 1983, when Western Mine Engineering started publishing Mining Cost Service and other cost-estimation tools. Over time, Costmine expanded its offerings to include the Equipment Cost Calculator, the Mine and Mill Equipment Cost Guide, and more. Scott’s expertise and leadership played a crucial role in evolving these tools into what they are today.
When Aventurine Engineering and its Sherpa applications became part of the Costmine family, Scott seamlessly integrated Sherpa into Costmine’s suite of products. He brought his vision for accurate, engineering-based cost models to the organization, aligning perfectly with Costmine’s mission to provide comprehensive, reliable data solutions to mining professionals around the globe.
Before retiring in 2022, Scott led the transformation of Sherpa’s cost-estimation tools into cloud-based platforms under the Costmine umbrella, ensuring these resources remained relevant in a digital-first world. This forward-thinking approach continues to empower mining companies with actionable insights and decision-making tools that address the complexities of modern mining economics.
Contributions to the Mining Industry
Scott’s influence extends beyond his engineering expertise and software development. He has authored key contributions to foundational texts like the Underground Mining Methods Handbook and the Mining Engineering Handbook, Third Edition, as well as numerous articles featured in Mining Cost Service. His educational outreach through workshops and seminars worldwide has helped countless professionals refine their skills and adopt data-driven approaches to mining cost estimation.
A Legacy Worth Celebrating
The AIME Mineral Economics Award is a fitting tribute to Scott Stebbins’ unparalleled achievements and his enduring contributions to mineral economics. His work has not only helped shaped Costmine’s trusted suite of tools but has also set a gold standard for the industry, ensuring mining professionals have the resources they need to operate with confidence and precision.
Costmine is proud to celebrate Scott’s accomplishments and continue building on his legacy with industry-leading solutions that support mining professionals across the globe. Please join us in congratulating Scott Stebbins on this remarkable honor and recognizing his invaluable impact on the mining industry.
